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FROCEElDIISrGS 

OF THK 

National Convent i on 

n\ 1 (ii: 

)ii;m» i.\ 

T H 1^: I T Y (,) ¥ W A S 11 1 N ( \ T m X , 

JANTARY IT). K; AXI) 17, 1«71. 



rONTATNING 



' List of Delegates, Memorial to Congress fOi.' a Pension to Survivors, and 
i an account of the Orjianization of the National Association of 

Veterans of the Mexican War, with List of Officers 
I For the Ensuing Year, «fec , &c , &c. 

i 

i 

st:<oyn ijDjrroy. 



COMPILED BY SECRETARY A. M. KE^ADAY 



1^ 



WASHINMJTON: 

JOHN H. CUNNING irA:\r. PRINTER. 

1874. 



r^s^ .^ 



OF THE 



I^ROCEEDINaS 

JN[ational Convention 



OF THE 



Veterans of the Mexican War. 



HELD IN 



THE CITY OF WASHINGTON, 

JANUARY 15, 16 AXD 17, 1874. 



CONTAINIXa 

LIST OF DELEGATES, MEMOKIAL TO CONGRESS FOR A PENSION 
TO SURVIVORS, AND AN ACCOUNT OF THE ORGANIZA- 
TION OF THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF 
VETERANS OF THE MEXICAN WAR, 
WITH LIST OF OFFICERS FOR 
THE ENSUING YEAR, 
&c., &c., &c. 



COMPILED BY SECRETARY A. M. KENADAY. 



WASHINGTON: 

JOHN H. CUNNIXGHA^M, PKINTER. 

1874. 



Lt' 



INITIAL PROCEEDINGS. 



On the 20lhof F<-bmary. 1873, in response to a call for a meeting of Mexican 
Veterans at the Dickson House, in Wasliin<2:ton, J). C, to consider the projjriety 
of joiiiini^ as a body in llie inauii^nral ceremonies of President (Jkant. on tlie ensii- 
inu: 4tli t»f March, about t\\('nty i)ersous ass-enil)led ; and after aijreein^ to tlie 
j))-oposition for Avliich tiiey had met, Mr. A. M. Kknaday. resident agent in 
"^^'ashin<^•ton of the San Francisco Associated Veterans of the ^lexicaii Wai-, called 
atteutiou of those present to the fact tiiat the Scott Legion of Pittsburgh. Pa., 
had forwarded a petition to Congress for a pension to the survivors of tiie Mexican 
AVar, which liad been presented by General Neglkv, re})resentative from that 
district. Mr. Kenaday mo^■ed that a connnitteeon organization be appointed to 
prepare a plan of action to cooperate in the IMttsburg' project, wliicii was adopted, 
and the mo\'er of the resolution was made chairn.an of the committee. On the 
loth of April an address was made ])y the chairman to the resident survivors of 
the Mexican War, api)ealing- to their i)atriotic im})idses to unite in an association, 
and combine their ellbrts to promote the welfare of their old comrades, which re- 
sulted in the organization of the '* Associated Veterans of 184G" of tiiis city, by 
electing, on the 1st of May, the following officers : President, General J. W. 
Dejtver: Vi(;e- Presidents, 'Major F. T. Lally, General D. IL Cooper; Cor- 
responding Secretary, A. M. Kenaday; Kecording Secretaiy, J. IJ. McNeiu; 
Treasurer, Colonel P. II. Allabach ; Marshal, Major II. A White, and the 
fullowing gentlemen as Trustees : Hon. J. J. Martin, General Albert Pike 
ami Captain S. X. IIoyt. At the next meeting, on the IHtli of May, Secretary 
Kenaday otl'ered tlie following resolution, which passed unanimously : 

Resolved, That an invitation is tiereby extended by this association to the veterans of the Mexiean war 
throu^rhiiut the country, now organized or lierealier to be enrolled in associations, to send two or more 
delegates, in person or by proxy, to a national convention to be held in Wushington City on January 15, 
IS71, to prepare a joint memorial to ( ongress for a pension to the survivors of the Mexican vrar, at tho 
pame rate alloutd by the act of February 14, 1871, granting pensions to the soldiers and sailors of tlie 
war of 1812 ; also, to adopt measures looking to a National Brotherhood of the survivors, arid a general 
assemblage on the occasion of the centennial anniversary of the nation's birthday, at Philadelphia, July 
4, lt*7t). 

The Corresponding Secretary was instructed to connnunicate the stibject to the 
then existing organizations, and take all proper measures to spread the informa- 
tion widely.' Through the liberality of the p.iblic prt\s,-, the merits of tlie ])roi)o- 
Bition were discussetl far and wide, and almost innnediatelj' organizations began 
to spring into being under the call. In the South and West the movement was 
very popular, and State reunions were held in manv of the States ta elect ilele- 
gates. The correspondence received by the Washington Association was published 
in the proceedings of their meetings, and slips were printed regularly, containing 
those proceedings and sent by mail to all parts of the Union. It became evident 
to all that the Convention would be a success, and on November lotii the associa- 
tion appointed a commit tee, consisting of Genei-al .J. W. Denver, chairman ; Gen- 
eral Alhert Pike, Hon. J J. Martin, .1. I. McCarty, and Alexander M. Kenaday^ 
Corresponding Secretary, to make all arrangements necessary. Colonel P. B. 
Allabach, Major F. T. Lally. Captain S. X. lloyt. Judge H. K. Crosby, Colonel 
J. C. Kretschmar. and many other members of the association lending valual/le 
assistance. On the Mthof January, 1874, in nine brief months afterjssue of tlie 
call of the organizing committee, the National Conveiuion assembled,' and follow- 
ing this brief introduction will be found the proceedings thereof : 



6 PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL CONVENTION 

that none of these differences will be brought into this Convention, and that no 
question of politics or other disturbing matter will be alluded to, but that our de- 
liberations may be confined entirely to the events and consequences pertaining to 
the time when all were actuated by the single motive, as one man, to uphold' the 
Iionor and glory of our connnon country and the actors in those great events. 

I will now read the call foi- the Convention, which was issued on the 15th of 
]\Iay last, by our association here, and has been so heartily responded to. It is as 
follows : 

[Gen. Denver then read the call which is embodied in the chapter of '^Initial 
Proceedings," on 2d page.] 

Permit me to call your special attention to the fact that the Soldiers' Home, 
near this city, was bought and paid for out of money obtained from the City of 
Mexico, and whicli, therefore, was one of tlie results of your valor. Among those 
who helped to achieve those results are many who are in indigent circumstances, 
and we think that that Home ought to be open to them, if they wish to go there. 
As it now stands, the doors of the Home are closed against all those who were not 
disabled in the line of duty, wlio were mustered out of the service at tlie close of 
the war, no mattei- how great may be their present necessities. This ought not 
to be. There are but few of them left, and the country ought to take'care of 
them. Their services entitle them to consideration, and it ought not to be with- 
held from them. 

At the conclusion of Gen. Denver's remarks, on motion of Col. Wm. Linn 
Tidball, of New York, a Committee on Credentials was selected from the various 
States and Territories represented, and from the Army and Navy, as follows : 

Michigan, J. P. Howlett; Iowa, Capt. I. W, Grilfith ; New Hampshire, Col. T. 
P. Pierce ; Massachusetts. Capt. Wm. Hurd; Louisiana, Gov. P. O. Hebert ; Ken- 
tucky, Major J. F. Huber; Missouri, Judge Jonas J. Clark; Kansas, E. N. O. 
Clough ; North Carolina, Samuel S. Pyatt ; Georgia, Col. H. J. Sargent ; West 
Virginia, Col. G. A. Porterfield; Virginia, Col. B. O. Harman ; U. S. Navy, 
Major A. J. Dallas ; Tennessee, K. J. Hays ; Penns3dvania, Gen. Edwin R. Biles; 
U. S. Army, General Thomas G. Pitcher ; IMinnesota, Col. F. Peteler ; Califor- 
nia, James E. Nuttman ; Maryland, Lewis F. Beeler; Illinois, M. L.Payne; 
Alabama, Andrew J. Iluggins; Oregon and Washington Territories, Gen. James 
Tilton ; Ohio, Dr. J. M. Todd ; South Carolina, Captain W. B. Stanley ; Missis- 
sippi, Gen. Wm. J. Smith; New York, Gen. Addison Farnsworth ; Wisconsin, 
A. A. Meredith ; Indiana, Hon. M. D. Manson ; Arkansas, Willard Ayers ; Texas, 
Gen. Albert Pike; Nevada, J. F. Ray; Washington, D. C, J. I. McCarty. 

A. M. Kenaday was directed by a vote of the Convention to act also as Secre- 
tary of the Conmiittee. 

The Convention took a recess until 2| p. m. 

On reassembling of the Convention, Gen. Addison Farnsworth, of New York, 
Chairman, reported through Secretary Kenaday, the following delegates as hav- 
ing up to that time filed credentials, to wit : 

LIST OF DELEGATES BY STATES. 

Alabama. — A. J. Iluggins, Scottsboro ; J. J. Martin, Tuscogee, (Post Office, 
Washington. D. C.) 

Arkansas.— Willard Avers, Little Rock ; General Albert Pike, Washington, D. 
C; General James F. Fagan, Little Rock. 

California.— J. E. Nuttman, (Post Ofiice, Newark, N. J.;) Hon. S. O Hough- 
ton, A. M. Kenaday, (Washington, D. C.;)ColonL'l J. C. Hays, Captain Tliom-us 
J. Knipe, Colonel J. D. Stevenson, General G. W. Bowie, Captain Brant Se- 
guine, Major Joseph Daniels, h'.)jor Richard P. Hammond, William Piper, 
Captain William Blanding, A. J- Shrader, Captain D. Scannell, H. E. Van 
Guestifield, of San Francisco : (the first three named only being present.) 

Georgia.— Colonel David S. Johnston, Madison ; Colonel E. L.' Thomas Cov- 
ington ; tl. J. Sargent, Newnan ; Colonel George S. Fisher, Augusta ; Colo- 
nel C. W. Styles, Albany. 



OF VETERANS OF THE MEXICAN ^VAR. 7 

iLLTNors. — Captain M. L. Payne, I'ontiac; Colonol L. Gninnip. 

Indiana. — Colonel John Osborn. Greoncastle; Colonel Thomas Morton, Mklille- 
town, Ilenrv ("o.; Captain F. K. Tvkle, Hon. II. S. Lane, Crawfordsville ; 
Hon. M. D.'Manson. do.: >V. \V. Bradley. 

Iowa. — General T. ^^^ Cirillith, DesMoines ; M. M. Trumbnll, Dabnqnc; Michael 
Donohiie, li. AV. Wilson, W. L. Church, S. R. Edghigton, (the first only 
present.) 

Kansas.— E. X. O. Cloni^h. 

IvENTrcKV.— General W. T. Ward, Louisville; E. C. Berry, Owensboro; J. P. 
Williams, J. .1. llalsey, Ilarrodsbiu-;^ ; W. >V. Bradley, Bowlin;]: Gi-een ; ^lajor 
.1. F. lliiber. Louisville; Colonel (i. I). Pennebaker, Washing-ton, D. C. 

Louisiana.— Ccneral P. (). Ilebert, New Orleans; General .). K. West. U. S. S.; 
( Jencral G. Mason Graham, Alexandria. The followinij were aceredited. but 
failed to arrive: General Ilai-ry T. Hays, Colonel J. B. Walton, G -neral 
Gcori^^e P>aldy, Captain J. B. Vandcri^rilV, Gen-ral A. G. Blanchard, S. D. 
Allis, Es(i., of Xew Orleans. 

^Maryland.— Colonel J. II. lluddach. Colonel W. f;. Schley, General Oden 
Bowie, Marshal John T. Gray. Joim P. Onior , Lewis F. Beeler, T. J. Good- 
rich, Cornelius Brown, Captain William Ilarcourt, Captaui William Howard, 
Dr. II. Webster, of Baltimore. 

MASSACFrrsETrs.— (Juptain William Ilurd, 11. A. McGlenen, Esq., Colonel Isaac 
H. Wriirht. 

MiciiKiAN.— A. :M. KcMadav, (J. P. Ilowlett, of Xiles. proxy:) J. N". A. L. Si- 
monds. Tecumseh ; Charles P. Kimball, Adrian ; E. R. Merrifield, Lansin.2:. 

MiNNESOTA.—W. A. Gorman and Colon „4 F. Peteler, St. Paul; A. R. Fre:.ch, 
Washin<^ton, D. C. 

>rrssissii'Pi.— General D. II. Cooper, John G. Hope, Beverly Matthews, Columbus. 

Missouri — J\h\}xe Jonas J. Clark, Chllieothe ; General J. W. Denver, Washino^- 
ton. D. C; Generai James Shields, Carrollton ; (Jolonel A. W. Doniphan, 
Richmond. Ray Co. (The two first named onlv present.) 

Nevada.— J. F. Ray, Elko; Colonel W. W. McCoy, Eureka; Charles Getzler, 
Viriiinia Cily. (Tlie last two absent.) 

New Hampshire.— Colonel Geori2:e. Bowers, Colonel Tliomas P. Pierce, Nashua. 

New Jersey.- Charles Bowers, Newark. 

New York.— Colonel Wm. I. inn Tidball, Lieutenant R. P. Noah, General Fran- 
cis E. Pinto, General Addison Karnsworth. Francis I). ( -lark, Fsq., General 
Thomas W. Sweeny, General Charles K. Graham, Captain Ilciuy Roscoe, 
Captain Wm. Wade, Wm. Colliican, Es(|., F. W. S(\a/rrist. Lieutenant Den- 
man, (ieneral A. W. Adams. ^Tlie followiuii: accredited failed to app'^ar : 
General H. (r. fribson. (Jeneral J. H. H. Ward, Captain J. C. Marriott, Vice- 
Admiral S. C. Rowan. Major W. L. Gary. 

North Carolina.— Colonel Edward Cantwell, Wilmington ; O. R. Smith, Ral- 
eigh ; Colonel John A. Faug, Asheville; S. S. Pyatt. 

Ohio.— Dr. J. M. Todd, Bridgeport, Belmont Co.; Wm. B. Howard (proxy for 
Hon. W. I. Southard.) 

Ore(;on and Washington Territory.— General James Tilton, Major Granville 
O. llaller, Ceneral R. 11. ^Milroy. II. R. Crosby, S. P. Moses. 

Pennsylvania.— General E. R. Biles, Chauncev F. Sargent, George ^Nloore, J. 
J. OsVandal. Wm. J. Maokev. Robert Klotz, of Scott Legion, Philadelphia; 
Lieutenant Abijah Ferguson,' Wm. Kennedy. C. B, Mowry, John W. HagU', 
Ed. O'Brii'U. Maurice Wallace, AV. II. Barker, Captain Alex. Hay, James T. 
Sample, G. W. Gibbs, AV. 11. Hope, of Pittsburirh Scott Legion. Major R. 
Klol.z, Mauehchunk: General Georijo A. II. Blake. U. S. A.; Colonel Alex. 
Montgomery, U. S. A.; Jolm Solomon, East Maueli Chunk; R. McDonald, 
MilHi', Co.;' Colonel F. B. Kaercher, Pottsville ; Z. E. liarnes, Connellsville ; 
Richar I J. Cro/.ier, John A. Blair, Evansburo-; Win. Williams and Jolui M. 
<"l:irk. Blair Co.; J. T. Sample, Sewicklv. Alleii-hany Co.; J. Q. A. Youno-, 
Elizabeth, Alleghany Co.; James II. Ross. York; James Shaw, Coi.nellsville; 
John Kilpatriek, Connellsville; R. McMichael, Louis H. AVunder and John 
Priestlv, Reading. 
South Carolina.— K. J. Billings, Lancaster C. IL: J^id^e T. J. Mackcy, Ches- 
ter ; WuL B. Stanley and James D. Blanding, Columbia ; and the followui<j 



8 PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL. CONVENTION 

not present : R. G. M. Dunovant, J. B. Kershaw, C. W. Styles, Albany ; Samuel 
McGowan, Elias Earle, C. S. Kukland, J. H. Williams. 

Tennessee.— R. J. Hays, Jackson ; General W. J. Smitli, General X. S. Renoau, 
Batesvllle ; George McPherson, Jonesboro ; General Gideon J. Pillow, Meni- 
(f ailed to arrive); Joseph Cooper, Kuoxville, do. 

Texas — Andrew J. Dorn. Hon. S. B. Maxey, of Paris, Lamar Co. ; General 
Albert Pike, Elias M. Greene. 

Virginia.— Captain Robert G. Scott, Major Patrick Hart, Robert Reid, of Ricli- 
moiid; M W. Strother, J. B. Laurens, Hanover; John Poe, Riolunoud ; Wni. 
B. Taliaferro, Gloucester; R. W. Brown, B. D. Harman, Staunton; Tiiouias 
B Toombs, John Boucher, J. H. AVIuttlesey ; and the following not present : 
General M. D. Corse, Alexandria; Colonel F. IL Archer, Petersbm-g; Major 
James C Taylor, Montgomery; Major L. M. Shumaker, Pottsylvania ; Colo- 
nel J. Richard Llewellyn, Norfolk ; Major John H. Cooke, Norfolk ; 
Captain Robert Pegram, Norfolk; Rev. P. A. Peterson, Norfolk ; Colonel 
A. P. Bennet, Richmond; Colonel P. I). Sutton, Major B. F. Wingtield, C. 
H Farrell, Lieut. W. H. Pleasants, C. G. Morrill, J. B. Ilog.sden, R. \V. 
Brown, S. C. Curry, L. C Leonard, C. R. Jones, Saaiuel Crawford, Dr. A. R. 
Sliands, M. M. Anderson, 

West Virginia —Colonel G. A. Porterfield, John Avis, Charlestown ; Captain 
N. N. Hoftman, Morgan to wn ; Captain J. C Baggs, Wheeling; General D. 
N. Couch, (Norwalk, Connecticut.) 

Wisconsin —Dr. Otis Iloyt, Hudson ; C. R. Johnson, Black River Falls. 

Colorado Territory.— S. N. Hoyt, S. M. Logan, Denver. 

U. S. Army. — General W. T. Sherman, Washington, D. C; General Irwin 
McDowell, New York City; General Benjamin Alvord, Paymaster General ; 
General Thomas G. Pitcher, General Charles Thomas, Colonel Alex. Mont- 
gomery, Major T. J. Eckerson. 

U. S. Navy.— Dr. Wm. M. Wood, Surgeon General, (retired ;) A. J. Dallas, J. 
W. Davis. 

District op Columbia.— Colonel P. H. AUabach, Edward Atkins, Willard Aj ers, 
General Benjamin Alvord, General A W. Adams, S. S. G. Barl)our, C. A. 
Bkmcliard, C. W. Beeker, Thomas Bridges, John G. Brayman, John Bran- 
nan, James Breraner, General D. II. Cooper, James Chappie, Major J. B. 
Collins, II. R. Crosby, General E. C. Carrington, Joshua Clark, John Carter, 
Thomas Cro.^gin, Thomas Dwyer, General J. W. Denver, Captain W H. 
Digues, J. VV. Davis, Dr. George M. Dove, Is dab Dean, Major A. J. Dallas, 
Addi.son Dent, Alfred Fairail, James Foy, A. R. French, John Galloway, C. 
W. Gordon, Albert Gruber, S. M. Gouverueur, Theodore Gregg, S. N. Hoyt. 
Stephen Hoyt, II. B. Ilensley, A. J. Hurdie, R. J. Hays, N. N. Hoffman, 
Henry Ingle, S. W. Johnson, Thomas Johnson, A. M. Kenaday, J. C. Kretsch- 

^ mar. Major F. T. Lally, Chris. Long, John H. Locke, John T. Lynch, George 
McPherson, S. P. Moses, Judge S. Milligan, Joseph Mollere, Colonel Alex. 
Montgomery,!!. S. A., Major-General Irwin McDowell, U. S. A., Captain 
Samuel Montgomery, Hon. J. J. Martin, J. I. McCarty, J. B. Merritt, John 
McDonough, R. F. Martin, M. D. Montis, S. V. Niles, General Albert Pike, 
J. R. Pierce, Captain E. A. Paul, General T. G. Pitcher, U. S. A., John 
Roach, B. M. Reese, George Roberts, General B. S. Roberts, U. S. A., II. J. 
Sargent, Theodore Sniftin, General H. II. Sibley, General W. T. Sherman. 
U. S. A., Stark B. Taylor, John Thompson, John H. Thompson, John M. 
Thornton, Major II. A. White, MarceUus W^ilson, Lieut. B. R. West, John 
Wood, G. F. White. 

The report was adopted. 

On motion of General Pike, it was decided by vote that any State in which no 
association has yet been organized may be allowed a representative in the Con- 
vention by a soldier of the Mexican War who served with the troops of such 
State. 

A collection of flowers, in form of a sword, was laid upon the table of the Pres- 
dent, accompanied by the following note, to wit : 



OF VETERANS OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 9 

Washington, D. C, January 15, 1874. 
General J. W. Denver — Dear Sir : Please accept for yourself and brother 
officers of the Convention this laurel sword in memoriam of the brave comrades of 
'40 and '7, whose hands can never more grasp yours in welcome greetings. With 
memories that awaken the proudest, saddest, truest sympathy for this reunion, 
I am. Most respectfully, Mrs. E. A. Kuiball. 

The President stated that Mrs. Kimball was the widow of a gallant officer who 
served in Mexico — Captain Kimball, of the 9th Infantry. 

The thanks of the Convention were ordered to be tendered to Mrs. Kimball 
and the letter spread upon the minutes of proceedings. 

The Secretary sent the following response to Mrs. Kimball's letter : 

National Convention Veterans of 1S4G. 
WiLLARD Hall, Washington, D. C, January 15, 1874. 
Mrs. E. A.Kbnball^ Wahington, D. C : 

My Dear Mada^i : The beautiful lloral tribute to the memory of our departed 
comrades in Mexi.-o, presented by you to tiie Convention of ;he survivors of the 
army and navy of that war, assembled now, after many years of separatio . and 
estrangement, was received with appropriate manifehtaiions of satisfaction by 
those who had the pleasure to behold it, and I have been instructed to convey to 
you the heartfelt thanks of this body for your tender and thoughtful regard for 
the memory of those whose friendly grasp and cheerful greeting is sadly missed at 
this reunion, among whom was one dear to you, Captain E. A. Kimball, of the 
9th Infantry. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

A. M. Kenaday, 
Secretary of the National Couveniion. 

!Mrs. Kimball also presented a file of the Star, published by Peoples & Bar- 
nard, in the City of Mexico, during the American occupation. 

Colonel Wm. L. Tidball, of New York, moved that a committee of one from each 
State and Territory be appointed to nominate permanent president, vice-preside iit 
and secretaries. 

General W. T. Ward, of Kentucky, said that there was no necessity for wasting 
time in committee deliberations. He desired to present the name of a man en- 
joying a national reputation, who, in his judgment, was the most proper person 
to be the president of this Convention. He meant General W. T. Sherman. 
[Applause.] 

Colonel Schley, of Maryland, doubted the propriety of nominating General 
Sherman, as there would be probably business transacted here which would nec- 
essarily require Congressional action, and it would hardly do to elect him as presi- 
dent — a position that would embarrass the General. 

A discussion ensued on the question, and linally Hon. M. D. Manson, of Indi- 
ana, after a high encomium on the General of the army, begged that General 
Ward would withdraw General Sherman's name and substitute that of General 
James W. Denver. 

General Ward, in answer, said that General Sherman was a member of the as- 
sociation as an individual, and he believed that as an individual ho could accept it. 

Th • feeling evinced was decidedly to make General Sherman president, but the 
question of propriety intervened. It was tinally decided to appoint the committee 
on xjermaneut organization. 

The following is the Committee on Organization ; 

Washington, D. C, Major F. T. Lally ; Michigan, J. P. Howlett ; Iowa, Cap- 
tain I. W. Griffith ; New Hampshire, Colonel George Bowers ; Massachusetts, 
Captain William Hurd; Louisiana, Governor PatU Hehert; Kentucky, J. J. Hal- 



10 PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL CONVENTION 

Rey; Missouri, J, J. Clark ; Kansas, E. N. O. Clougk ; North Carolina, Colonel 
Edward Cantvvell ; Georgia, Colonel D. S. Johnson ; West Virginia, Captain J. I), 
liaggs ; Navy, Dr. William M.Wood, Tennessee, Colonel W. J. Smitli ; Penn- 
sylvania, William H. IJarl<er ; Army, General T. G. Pitcher; Minnesota, Colon< 1 
Francis FeteK-ri California, lion, 8. O. Houghton; ]Maryland, Colonel Jo^^eph 11. 
Knddach; Illinois, Captain M. L. Fayne ; Alabama, Judgi^ J. J. Martin; Oregon 
and AVashington Territory, General James Tilton ; Ohio. J. M. Todd ; South Caro- 
lina, Judge T. J. Mackey ; ^lississippi. General J). II. Cooper; New York, G<mi- 
cralT. W. Sweeny; Wisconsin, A. A. Mereditii ; Indiana, Colonel John Osborn ; 
Arkansas, Willard Ayres; Texa<, Colonel Elias M. Greene ; Nevada, J. F. Ra\- ; 
New Jersey, Charles Bowers; Virginia, Captam II. G. Scott. 

A motion was made that when the Convention adjourn it be until to-morrow at 
10 o'clock, when it reassembles to hear the report of the committee on permanent 
organization, and then in a body move to the Metropolitan M. E. Church, wIk i f 
the public literary exeroises prepared for tlie occasion will be held. 

A letter from the venerable General Robert Patterson was read, as follows : 
1200 Locust Street, Piiiladelpiiia, January 13, 1874. 

Dear Sir : I had made every arrangement to leave here to-morrow for AV'ash- 
ington, for the purpose of meeting and uniting once more with tlie Veterans of the 
Mexican AVar, but I regret to say it is irni)racticable for me to do so; it is to me a 
sore disappointment. Please convey kind remembrance to any of my old com- 
rades who may inquire for me. 

I remain, dear sir, very truly yours, P. Patterson. 

A. M. Kenaday, 

Cori'espondlng, Secretary^ .jr., ^-c, <J-c. 

Also the following letter from Major General Gideon J. Pillow, dated Memphis, 
Tennessee, January 10th, 1874, and addressed to General Denver, President of 
(he Convention, to wit : 

Memphis, TENN., Jannary 10, 1874. 
Ge7ieral Denver, President of the Association of Veterans of 1846 : 

My Dear General : I deeply regret that I cannot be present at the meeting 
of Veterans, on the ITjih instant. "^ 

No time will obliterate from my memory the recollections of ti;e brilliant 
achievements of tlie Army of Mexico. 

It was my pleasure to meet a large numl)er of my old companions of the war at 
our recent meeting in this city. It was the lirst we have had in this part of the 
"West. They did me the honor to appoint me a delegate to your Convention, but 
my professional engagements, J)y which I liv % put it out of my power to attend. 

1 need not say how happy 1 sliould be to exchange greetings with my old com- 
rades in arms, from the North and the Soutl), and to let them see that neither 
time nor the bitterness engendered by our late civil war can estrange those who, 
actuated by a sense of duty and love of country, marched side by side through 
the many perils of the brilliant battles fought in that war. 

It was my fortune duri;;g that war to conmiand troops from nearly every State 
in the Union. We knew no North, no South. We were patriots and brothers, 
each emulous of being foremost in the discharge of duty, and ready to sacrilice 
our lives for the good of the country and in defending its honor. 

Of the major-generals of the regular army who fought in that war, the writer 
is the only survivor. He was then'in the prime of life; and in the vigor of man- 
hood. He is now well stricken in years, and has passed through many vicissitudes 
and trying ordeals ; but he has never ceased to love his country, and to feel a just 
pride in its greatness and power, and he hopes that it will continue to be the 
'''-nursery of Liberty and the home of the oppressed'^ for a thousand years to come. 

Begging you to kindly present me to my old comrades, in brotherly love^ I am, 
General, your obedient servant, GiD. J. Pillow. 

Enthusiastic applause followed the reading of both the letters. 

On motion of Colonel Tidball, it was ordered that when the Convention reas- 



OF VETERANS OF THE MEXIAN WAR. H 

seinble the several delegations shall report members of a committee to draft a me- 
morial address to Congress, and also to report a committee to organize a national 
Association. 

Tlie President read a letter from Mr. H. Clay Ford, business manager of Ford's 
Opera House, inclosing sixty tickets to be used for the performance of Ma(iame 
Janauschelv. They were accepted and the thanks of the Convention returned. 

Eev. Dr. Tiffany invited tliose who did not care to visit the theatre to attend 
the concert of the "Hutchinson family" at the Metropolitan Clmrch. The invi- 
tation was thankfully accepted. 

On motion, the Convention adjourned to 10 a. m. to-morrow, January 16th. 



SECOND DAY- JANUARY 16, lS7i. 



The Convention was called to order at 10 a. m., by the temporary President, 
General J. W. Denver. 
Secretary Kenaday commenced reading the proceedings of yesterday, when 
Colonel W. L. Schley, of Maryland, moved to dispense with the further read- 
ing. Carried. 

Major F. T. Lally, Chairman of Committee on Permanent Organization, re- 
ported the following 

PERMANENT OFFICERS. 
President. — General J. W. Denver. 
Vice-Presidents. 
Colonel J. H. Kuddach, Maryland, Major F. T. Lally, District of ColiimbI;i. 

J. P. Howlett, Michigan, Captain 1. W. Grithth, Iowa, 

Colonel T. P. Pierce, New Hampshire, Colonel I, H. Wright, Massachusetts, 
General W. T. Ward, Kentucky. General T. G. Pitcher, U. S. A., 

General Willis A. Gorman, Minnesota, J. E. Xuttman, California, 
Captain L. M. Pavne, Illinois, Hon. J. J. ^lartin, Alabama, 

General Jas. Tilton, Oregon and W. T., Dr. J. M, Todd, Ohio. 
Captain William B. Stanley, S. C, General James Shields, Missouri, 

Colonel E. ]Sr. O. Clough, Kansas, Colonel John Jones, Georgia, 

Colonel Edward Cantwell, N. C, X. :N". Hoffman, West Virginia. 

General Wm.B. Taliaferro, Virginia, Surg. Gen. Wm. M. Wootl, U. S. Xavy. 
Governor Paul O. Hebert, Louisiana, (retired.) 

Generat Gideon J. Pillow, Tennessee, Edward O'Brien, Pennsylvania, 
Charles Bowers, New Jersey, General E. M. Greene, Texas. 

Major A. A. Meredith, Wisconsin, General M. D. Manson, Indiana, 

General Albert Pike, Arkansas, John F. Pay, Nevada. 

General C. K. Graham, of New York. 
Secretaries. 
A. M. Kenaday, (Cal.,) Wash., D. C, Colonel O. K. Smitli, Raleigh, N. C, 
Major J. F. Huber, Louisville, Ky., Colonel W-m. Linn Tidball, New York, 
n. A. McGlenen, Boston, Mass. 

Colonel W. L. Schley, of Maryland^- who had been nominated by the Com- 
mittee, declined, and the Convention excused him from the service. 

The report of the Committee was adopted. 

Colonel E. Cantwell, of North Carolina, mov-ed that the Convention, upon its 
adjournment to-day, proceed in a body, under direction of the Presiding Officer, 



12 PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATION.VIi CONVENTION 

to the Executive Mansion, for tlie purpose of presenting their respects and con- 
gratulations to our illustrious comrade and friend, the President of the United 
States. 

On motion of Hon. S. O. Houghton, of California, a committee of three was 
appointed to wait on the President and inform him of the proposed \'isit. 

The Chair appointed as said committee, Hon. S. O. Houghton, of California ; 
Colonel W. L. Schley, of Maryland ; and J. D. Blanding, of South Carolina. 

Colonel D. S. Johnston, of Georgia, moved that a committee of live he appointed, 
with Colonel William L. Tidball, of New York, as Chairman, to draft a memo- 
rial to Congress for suitable legislation in behalf of the Veterans of the Mexican 
War. 

The motion was adopted, and the President appointed Colonel William Lynn 
Tidball, of New York ; Colonel D. S. Johnston, of Georgia ; General E. R. Biles, 
Pennsylv.inia ; Gov. Paul O. Uebert, Louisiana ; and Hon. M. D. Manson, of 
Indiana, said committee. 

On motion of Judge Mackey, a committee was appointed to prepare a constitu- 
tion and by-laws for the proposed National Association of Mexican War Veterans, 
as follows : .Judge T. J. Maci<ey, South Carolinsi; W. J. Mackey, Penn ylvania; 
General Francis E. Pinto, Nev York; General W. T.Ward, Kentucky; Dr. 
J. M. Todd, Ohio. 

Hon. S. O. Houghton (the committee having returned from the White House,) 
reported that the Pn^sident of the United States would be pleased to receive the 
proposed visit of the Convention at 11 o'clock to-morrow. 

The Convention then, in accordance with the programme adopted by the * .ora- 
mittee of Arrangements, formed in line of march and proceeded to the Metro- 
politan Methodist Episcopal Church, to attend the literary exercises prepared for 
the occasion. Preceded by the ioarine Band, and headed by the otiicers of tiie 
Convention, the procession marched via Fourteenth street, Pennsylvania avenue 
and Four-and-a-half street to the Metropolitan M. E. Church, at the confer of 
Four-and-a-half and C streets. Tlie members of the Convention were seated in 
reserved places in front of the pulpit, while a large number of ladies and gentle- 
men occupied the auditorium. The Marine Band was seated in the gallery, while 
the pulpit was occupied by General Denver, President of the Convention ; Gen- 
eral Cadwallader, of Pennsylvania ; General Henry S. Lane, of Indiana ; General 
Albert Pike, General W. T. Sherman, General Irwin McDowell, and others. 

At 12 o'clock precisely General Denver caUed the mee|:ing to order, and Dr. 
Tlfl'any, pastor of the church, offered up a fervent pra3'er for the blessing of 
Heaven upon the exercises of the day. After the baml had discoursed a choice 
selection in the most exquisite manner, 

Secretary Kenaday read the following letter from the Hon. Caleb Cushing, 
who had been previously announced as the Orator of the day. 

Washington, Jamiary 12, 1874. 

My Dear General : I feel compelled, most reluctantly, to re(]uest tlie Com- 
mittee of Arrangements to excuse me from the contemplated duty of addressing 
the Veterans of the Mexican War at the approaching Convention, in considera- 
tion of the pending question in the Senate, of my nomination to the office of 
Chief Justice, which seems to me to require of me abstention from any such public 
manifestation at the present time ; and this, not in regard to myself alone, but 
e(iually out of respect for the Executive, the Senate, and for the Convention itself. 
This conclusion, the result of imperative conviction of propriety, is most painful 



OF VETERANS OP THE MEXICAN WAR. 13 

to me, but cannot, I feel sure, interfere with the perfect success of the Convention 
in all the great objects for wliich it has been assembled. 

I have the honor to remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

C. CUSHING. 

Gen. J. W. Denver, President, ^c. 

President Denver informed the assemblage that at the earnest solicitation of 
the Committee of Arrangements, the Hon. James S. Negley, member of Con- 
gress from the Pittsburgh District of Pennsylvania, had consented to deliver an 
address suitable to the occassion. He then, amidst the applause following the 
announcement, introduced General Negley as one of the Pennsylvania volunteei-s 
in the Mexican War. 

ORATION OF general J. S. NEGLEY. 

Veterans and Comrades of the Mexican War : 

I appear before you this morning \\ith some degree of embarrassment, and undi-r 
circumstances creating, I hope, a strong claim upon your indulgence. The place 
assigned m(^ in to-day's ceremonies should have been filled by the Hon. Caleb 
Cuslii ig, who would have ])ei-fornied the duty so acceptably to us all, but who, 
for obvious reasons of delicacy, ileemed it proi)er to decline the enviable honor. 
1 appreciate and regret your disappointment ; I trust, however, to give the hour 
as it Hies some abidhig impressions that will liuger in your memories with the 
pleasing recollection of your visit to the capital. 

The occasion of this meeting is of a cliaracter no less unusual than interesting. 
The mind goes forth to enter into communion with Monderf ul historical achieve- 
ments since you fell into line to defend tlie honor of your government in its third 
great war. Tiien most of you had just entered upon the threshold of manhood, 
I'ull of tlie hopes, the visions, the enthusiasm of youth. Since then mighty events 
have illuminated the chapters of our history. Grand has been the fulfilment of 
tiie destinies of our race since Taylor and Scott tented the first battalions of 
their gallant armies on the soil of Mexico. It is like an Arabian tale of real life 
to speak of the wrecks of human ambition, and the triumphs of truth, Christianity, 
and universal liberty, since you eventuated the first page of the biography of the 
armies that forced an insolent and treacherous government to salute with respect 
the Stars and Stripes in the ancie-nt capital of the Aztecs. 

In little more than a quarter of a century great States have grown up on the 
foundations thus previously laid by the achievements of your arms. The claims 
of humanity have been vindicated, the rights of the American citizen guaranteed, 
and the grandeur of our national unity preserved ; our commerce has silently ex- 
tended its influence from sea to sea, from continent to continent, until the waters 
of the globe are being navigated by the peaceful harbinger of American enter- 
prise. Is it, therefore, not eminently proper that we should meet in these days of 
joyous peace and public safety to exchange cordial felicitations with dear old com- 
rades, and bathe in the sweet waters of our memories the record of heroic deeds 
and humble valor now dimmed by the sweep of years? Yes ; we should be thank- 
ful that to us Pi-ovidence luvs graflked the privilege to VNitness such fruits as wars 
do not often bring forth. 

Yo^c have met and saluted, but look in vain for many, very many who would 
have lived years of pleasure in one day of fraternal meeting like this. Sadly we 
remember that they have journeyed to the oflier shore ; the laurel for them is in- 
terwoven with the cypress; tiieir fame crowns the cenotaph of the nation's dead. 

Oh, there are times when the heart of a man is as easily touched with emotion 
as that of a woman. Mine is moved when I gaze upon the venerable faces of the 
companions of my youth, who have wended their way hither to participate in to- 
day's proceedings. 

In bearing testimony to the services of our armies in Mesiico, it is opportune that 
I recall a few historical facts. 

The thread of circumstances which led to the war with Mexico originated in 
the colonization of Texas by American citizens. It was the advance of civiliza- 
tion of this continent, another degree in its progress to destiny, and not, as it has 
often been stated, the residt of national polity on either side, although it be true 



14 PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL CONVENTION 

that Mexico, like Spain, adhered to a pertinacity of dominion, while her incompe- 
tency to maintain it was known to all the world. 

Along period of military and semi-barbarons despotism, with a degrading su- 
perstition, had buried tlieir letters, arts, and progress in chaos with the rights of 
the citizens. In tlie space of fort3^-nine years being cursed with tliirty-two differ- 
ent forms of government and seventy-seven different presidents, dictators and 
military rulers, no wonder that the country yet was filled with deeds of treachery, 
rapacity and blood, accompanied by a system of merciless oppression, extortion 
and fraud ; nevertheless, Cortez had transplanted to it a Spanish "civilization" 
a hundred years before our Pilgrim fathers landed at Plymouth Rock, and there 
had been floated away argosies of gold, silver, jewels and precious stores. 

In 1836 the Texan revolution separated that country from ]\Iexico, and dm'ing 
the same period Santa Anna was busy with his intrigues and revolts. 

The bitter opposition of Mexico to the independence of Texas Avas naturally a 
question of deep interest to the citizens of the United States, and the effort to 
fasten upon them a despotism worse tlian an absolute monarchy was watched with 
increasing anxiety The repeated outrages and spoliations were referred to in a 
message from the President of the United States as early as Februarys, 1837. 
This was followed b}^ a resolution of the United States Senate March 1, 1837, ac- 
knowledging the independence of Texas, and by an ordinance of a convention of 
that State assenting to its annexation; Mexico then had presented the alternative 
of abandoning her claims or going to war. 

The Mexican army of the North was ordered to advance on Matamoras, and on 
April 4, 1846, General Arista was directed to cross the Rio Grande, attack and 
destroy the American army. 

The cup of forbearance was now exhausted, and Congress called upon to make 
provisions for the defense of our territory. 

The Mexican government had under arms 45,000 troops, while General Taylor 
arrived before Matamoras with only 3,000 combatants out of 5,000 men. With 
this small, but effective, force he inaugurated the brilliant campaign that led to 
tlie victories of Palo Alto and Resaca de la Palma, the siege and capture of Mon- 
terey, and the battle of Buena Vista, where, with 4,500 men and fifteen cannon, 
he routed and nearly captured Santa Anna with 20,000 of his best troops. 

It would be interesting to dwell upon tlie unwavering courage, splendid discip- 
line and toilsome marches of this gallant army ; but 1 fear tlie details would 
weary you. 

Now let us follow the troops, 8,000 in number, w^ithdva.wn from General Taylor's 
army after it had been re-enforced, in their departure with General Scott's army in 
his movement on Vera Cruz, a city of 15,000 isiliabltants, immediately upon the 
shore of the Gulf of Mexico. It was encircled by a continual line of strong foj'tifi- 
cations, bastions, and redans mounted with heavj^ gwns, 86 in number, and garri- 
soned with 3,000 men. On the sea-front stood the castle of San Juan d'Ulloa, 
mounting 128 guns, and garrisoned with 1,000 men of the troops of the line. 

General Scott commenced the attack Marcli 9, 1847, and after skillful ap- 
proaches, fierce cannonading, and brilliant examples of heroism and generalship 
the city surrendered, March 29, with the honors of war. This marvelous success 
of our arms was follo^ved by important operations in the interior of the country. 

Santa Anna, in speaking of the advance of Scott's army, said : "In every defile 
of these mountains they will find a Thermopylae." The dispositi'on of tlie Mexi- 
can army at Cerro Gordo, near the village of Plan del Rio. was wisel}^ chosen by 
the enemy ; the approaches were exceedingly difficult and strongly defended by 
natural ol3structions, formidable batteries, lines of abattis, and the entire Mexican 
army. The result of this battle was (h'cisive. and will always be famous in his- 
tory. With less than 9,000 men General Scott routed the enemy and captured 
3,000 prisoners, five generals, seven standai-ds and forty-three cannon, and opened 
an easy approach to the capital. 

After delays that we can not speak of without regret. General Scott pursued his 
victorious march toward the interior, driving the enemy from his stronghold at 
Orizaba and the castle of Perote, and treating with contempt the motto of Gen- 
eral Salas, " War without pity, unto death." He met and punished the enemy at 
Amazogue, and gave his army a respite at Puebla, where his forces were aug- 
mented to 10,27G of all arms ; 2,215 of these were on the sick list. 



OF VETERANS OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 15 

On Ai\^ist 0, leaving Colonel Child, with about 500 effective men, chiefly Penn- 
sylvanians, tlie main army, with the daring and raslmcss of Cortez, marched over 
his route to tlie capital against strong defensive positions, overwlielming odds, 
and the desperate hopes of Santa Anna, and entered the city triumphant Septem- 
ber 14, 1847. 

To tell you how these battles were won, and the instances of personal gallantry, 
and sum up the valuable captures, would occupy more time than your patience 
would accord me. The heroic and successful defense of Puebla is itself wortliy 
of the brightest page in the historian's accounts of these events. I would also be 
pleased to consider the achievements of our troops in other portions of Mexico 
and Texas, if it was opportune to narrate their services. 

The treaty of Guadalupe IKdalgo was ratified Marcli 10, 1848. General Ilerrera 
was electeil president, and the American flag hauled down from the palace amid 
salvos from Mexican artillery. The United States were enriched by the vast ex- 
tent of country now including the States and Territories of California and Nevada. 
Utah, Colorado, Arizona and Xew Mexico, in addition to the peaecftd control of 
Texas, to accomplish all of wiiicli the public debt was only increased $27,000,859 73, 
and even this comparatively small sum was lessened by militarv contributions 
collected in Mexico 

Where hi liisroryis to be foinid a contrast with tlie military and political suc- 
cesses crowded into tlie experiimce of the survivors of tlie M(?xican war? I neve* 
turn to contemplate them but I am impressed with the traces of providential 
watchfulness for tJie consummation of some great purpose. Millions attest to the 
grandeur of the achievements. 

At a dinner given by Mr. Peabody about the time of General Scott's departure, 
the great Duke of Wellington was led to express the opinion that if he would 
adopt the plan of campaign which he did actually adopt, he would prove himself 
to be one of the greatest generals of the age. I know each of you will join me 
in saying, this tribute was worthily bestowed. 

His army furnisjied a glorious contingent to the oflicers of the late war, and to- 
day one of its representatives tills with unclouded honor the position of Cliief 
^lagistrate of the nation ; another commands her armies with the world's acclaim 
of praise, and numbers lill high stations of trust and influence. 

This small assembly, however, silently admonishes me that death has been busy 
in our ranks, and that we all shall soon sleep under the daisies. But the develop- 
ment of our work will still move on through future ages ; it has already yielded 
a priceless interest. 

California has a population of 750,000; Utah, of 120,000; Colorado, of 105,000 ; 
Arizona, of 12,000; New Mexico, of 110,000; Nevada, of 100,000; and Texas, ol 
1,000,000, with a territory larger than all the States east of the Mississippi river, 
and yielding products of fabulous wealth. AVith what firm steps the prosperity 
of Amenea has advanced since Napoleon III. wrote to General Forey in these 
words . '^It is our interest that the Republic of the United States shall be powcr- 
fid and prosperous, but it is not at all to our interest that she should grasp the 
whole Gulf of Mexico, rule then«e the Antilles, as well as South America, and be 
the sole dispenser of the products of the New World." 

lleason and patriotism sanction the exulting pride of the old Mexican soldier. 
His services have brought within the influence of civil and religious liberty a grand 
realm, in a favorite clime, with the wealth of the Indies. 

Shut now the volume of liistory, and tell me on what principle of human jus- 
tice shall be the reward bestowed by a grateful country upon the few survivors 
wi'.o surpassed the adventures of IM/arro and Cortez, but who enacted no trage- 
di(>s like those of (^uatimo/.in, Anacaona, or Atahnaepa? 

If my will could summon the power I would write their names in letters of liv- 
ing light on the unbrokiMi columns of iny countiy, and inscribe their deeds on the 
consecrated folds of the flag of our Union, which to-day commands the respect of 
every nation of the world. 

After the band had again discoursed eloquent music, the President advanced 
to the desk with General Albert Pike. He was welcomed most cordiall.v, and 
General Denver remarked : '' You all know and love General Pike. He will read 
the poem prepared for the occasion." 



IG PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATION AX, CONVENTION 

POEM READ BEFORE THE NATIONAL CONVENTION OF MEXICAN WAR VETERANS, 

JANUARY 16, 1874. 

"When California was a foreign land ! " 
How many shadowy, ghost-like figures stand 
Between that Then and Now ! — forms of dead Years, 
Old, meager, pale ; and four all blood and tears, 
With faces full of pain and agony, 
And sitting bowed in speechless misery : 
And three, the farthest from us, laurel-crowned, 
The Years for victories over foreign foes renowned. 

Comrades and Friends, the glorious Past recall ; 
Live in it again ; in memory upon all 
Your well-known fields of battle stand again, 
Young, hopeful, eager, proud, as you were then — 
Rebels, against tlie tyranny of time. 
Ride through the hills, t!ie mountain-passes climb ; 
Camp on the streams through fertile vales that flow, 
From the broad beds of everlasting snow ; 
Hear once again the Aztec eagle scream ; 
See once again Santana's lances gleam ; 
Tlie toils and hardships of the march endure ; 
"Win glory, and your country's thanks secm-e. 

"When California was a foreign land ! " — 
. If time's not measured by the droppmg sand 
That counts the silent moments as they flit, 
But by the great deeds that are done in it. 
Then, Comrades, 't is a century or more 
Since Yankee arms the flag of glory bore. 
From Palo Alto, and from Vera Cruz, 
Destined the day upon no field to lose, 
To the Belen gate ; and on its every fold 
To have new glories added to the old ; — 
By Taylor's legions won at Monterey : 
On Buena Vista's memorable day ; 
Where Kearney led to victory his command, 
And Stockton's sailors learned to fight on land ; 
At Sacramento, wliere the brave troops, led 
By Doniplian, the foe discomfited ; 
On Churubusco's bloody causeway won ; 
By deeds of valor at Contreras done ; 
When Worth and Quitman stormed Chapul tepee. 
And Mexico lay stranded like a wreck. 

After Resaca, when the Motherland, 
With sword uplifted in her mighty hand. 
Called on her sons to meet the braggart foe. 
And bear her banners into Mexico, 
Her trumpet-call, in every hamlet heard. 
The North and South alike inspired and sfirred. 
Then from the icy hills of pine-clad Maine, 
And the great lakes, rang out tlie same refrain. 
To the Mexique Gulf and farthest Arkansas — 
" Ready !" and " Forward to Uie seat of war !" 
Then from the cities reigning by the sea. 
And inland marts of earnest industry. 
From the lone homes of hardy husbandmen, 
Came forth the toilers with the plough and x>en, 



OF VETERANS OP THP MEXICAN WAR. 17 

Idlers and artisans, to volunteer ; 

To all alike theii* country's honor dear. 

Little they cared the cause of war to know ; 

Enough for them that in far Mexico, 

Our little army, then the nation's pride. 

Faced gallantly red war's advancing tide, 

And if not shortly reinforced would be. 

It and the nation's flag, in jeopardy : — 

The flag that tyranny abhors and hates, 

Wliose golden Stars the symbols were of States, 

Each Star a sun that with its own light shone, 

Not planets, with reflected light alone. 

And making with their stellar harmony 

The Constellation's radiant unity. 

Then, one by one, the days of glory came. 

That neither North nor South alone could claim, 

Nor wished to ; whose immortal memories are 

The common heritage of every Star ; 

Until the conquest of a nation crowned 

Our arms, and golden California found 

No tyrant, by the right of conquest Lord, 

To rule her by tlie tenure of the sword : 

But Freedom, ruling by her right divine. 

Making her, too, a Star, ^vith ours to shine. 

Nor did we take her by tlie sword alone. 

But by fair pui'chase made her all our own. 

England remembers, with no lessening pride, 
The old flelds by her sons' blood sanctified ; 
Remembers Agincourt, and Crecy, too, 
And Poictiers, as well as Waterloo. 
Shall the old glories of our arms grow pale. 
Eclipsed by the later? Shall the names grow stale, 
And dim, like stars veiled by an envious cloud. 
Of which their country once was justly proud? 
Let us, at least, in reverence hold these names, 
And guard with jealousy their worthy fames; 
Honoring, as then we honored, all the brave, 
When Illinois strewed flowers on Butler's grave, 
When Indiana mourned the fate of Yell, 
And Mississippi wept when Hardin fell ; 
Kemembering that we all were Yankees there, 
And in tlie common glory had a share. 
Consenting not that any State should claim 
Exclusive right to any hero's fame. 

Enough ! But I must try your patience still, 
Or a reluctant promise not fultill. 
To read the story of one glorious day. 
Writ when its echoes scarce had died away. 



BUENA VISTA. 

From the Rio Grande's waters to the icy lakes of Maine 
Let all exult 1 For we have met the enemy again. 
Beneath tlieir stern old mountains we have met them In their pride, 
And rolled frcm Buena Vista back the battle's bloody tide ; 
Wliere tlio enemy came surging swift like the Mississippi's flood, 
And the Reaper, Death, with strong arms swui g his sickle red with blood. 



PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL CONVENTION 

Santana boasted loudly that before two hours were past 
His lancers tlu'on^^h Saltillo should pursue us tierce and fast. 
On comes liis solid infantry, line marchino^ after line, 
Lo ! their great standards in the sun like sheets of silver shine ; 
With thousands upon thousands — yea, with more than three to one — 
Their forest of bright bayonets fierce-flashing in the sun. 

Lo ! Guanajuato's regiment, Morela's boasted corps, 
And Guadalajara's chosen troops — all veterans tried before. 
I -o ! galloping upon the right four thousand lances gleam. 
Where, floating in the morning wind, their blood-red pennons stream ; 
And here his stern artillery climbs up the broad plateau ; 
To-day he means to strike at us an overwhelming blow. 

Now, Wool, hold stronglj^ to the heights I for, lo ! the mighty tide 
Comes, thundering like an avalanche, deep, terrible and wide. 
3\'ow, Illinois, stand steady! N'ow, Kentucky, to their aid ! 
For a portion of our line, alas ! is broken and dismayed. 
Great bands of shameless fugitives are fleeing from the field, 
And the day is lost if Illinois and brave Kentucky yield. 

One of O'Brien's guns is gone ! On, on their masses drift, 
Till their cavalry and infantry outfiank us on the left ; 
Our light troops, driven from the hills, retreat in wild dismay, 
And round us gathers thick and dark the Mexican array. 
Santana thinks the day is gained ; for, now approaching near, 
Minon's dark cloud of lancers sternly menaces our rear. 

Kow Lincoln, gallant gentleman, lies dead upon the field, 
Who strove to stay those cravens wlien before the storm they reeled. 
Fire, Washington ! fire fast and true ! Fire, Sherman, fast and far I 
Lo ! Bragg comes thundering to the front to breast the adverse war. 
Santana thinks the day is gained ? On, on his masses crowd, 
And the roar of battle swells again more terrible and loud. 

j^ot yet ! Oiu- brave old General comes to retrieve the day. 
Kentucky to the rescue ! Mississippi, to the fray ! 
Again our line advances ! Gallant Davis fronts the foe. 
And back before his rifles in red waves the lancers flow. 
Upon them yet once more, ye brave ! The avalanche is stayed ! 
Back roll the Aztec multitudes, all broken and dismayed. 

Eide ! May, to Buena Vista ! For tlie lancers gain our rear, 
Aud we have few troops there to check their vehement career. 
Arkansas and Kentucky, charge ! Yell, Porter, Vaughn are slain ; 
But the shattered troops cling desperately unto that crimsoned plain ; 
Till, with the lancers intermixed, pursuing and pursued, 
Westward, in combat hot and close, dilfts oft' the multitude. 

And May comes charging from the hiUs with his ranks of flaming steel, 
While, shattered with a sudden fire, the foe already reel: 
They flee amain ! Now to the left, to stay the torrent there, 
Or else the day is sm-ely lost m horror and despair ; 
For their hosts pour swiftly onward, like a river in the spring ; 
Our flank is tm-ned, and on our left tlieh' cannon thundering. 

Now, good artillery ! bold dragoons ! Steady, brave hearts ! be calm ! 
Tlirough rain, cold, hail and thunder, now nei-ve each gallant arm ! 
^Vliat though then' shot fall round us here far thicker than the hail ? 
We'll stand against them as the rock stands firm against the gale. 



OF VETERANS OF THE MEXICAN WAR. ] 

Lo ! their battery is silenced ! but our iron sleet still showers ; 
They falter — halt— retreat ! Hurrah I the glorious day is ours ! 

In front, too, has the fight gone well, where upon gallant Lane 
And on stout Mississippi the thick lancers charged in vain ; 
Ah ! brave Third Indiana ! you have nobly wiped away 
The reproach that throngh another corps befell your State to-day ; 
For back, all broken and dismayed, before your storm of fire, 
Santana's boasted chivalry, a shattered wreck, retire. 

Now, charge again, Santana, or the day is snrely lost ; 
For back, like broken waves, along our left yonr hordes are tossed. 
Still faster roar his batteries— his wliole reserve moves on : 
More work remains before us ere the good tight is won. 
Now for your wives and children men ! Stand steady yet once more! 
Fight for your lives and honors ! Figlit as you never fought before? 

Ho ! Hardin breasts it bravely ! McKce and Bissell there 
Stand firm before the storm of ^ balls tliat fill the astonished air ; 
The lancers dash upon them, too ! The foe swarm ten to one ; 
Hardin is slain ; McKee and Clay the last time see the sun, 
And many another gallant heart in tliat last desperate fray 
Grew cold, its last thoughts turning to its loved ones far away. 

Speed, speed, artillery, to the front ! for the hurricane of fire 
CruslK?s those noble regiments, reluctant to retire ! 
Speed swiftly ! Gallop! Ah, they come ! Again Bragg climbs the ridge, 
And his grape sweeps down the sw^armingfoe, as a strong man mo^^"ethsedg 
Thus battled in their last attack, compelled perforce to yield, 
Still menacing in firm array, their colums leave the field. 

The guns still roared at intervals, but silence fell at last. 
And on the dead and dying came the evening shadows fast ; 
And then, above the monntaiiis, rose the cold moon's silver shield, 
And patiently and pitying looked down upon the field ; 
While, careless of his wounded, and neglectful of his dead. 
Despairingly and sullenly Santana southward fled. 

And thus on Buena Vista's heights a long day's work was done, 
And thus our brave old General another batt'C won. 
Aud still our glorious banner waves, unstained by tlight or shame. 
And the Mexicans, among their hills, still tremble at our name. 
So, lionor unto those that stood ! disgrace to those that fled ! 
And everlasting glory unto Buena Vista's dead ! 

With the reading of the poem and the music which followed, the exercises a 
nounced by the Committee were closed. 

The following extract from (lie report in the Daily Chronicle shows the si 
sequent proceedings : 

The reading of the poem was received with mn,ny expressions of applaiii 
When General Pike had concluded the Marine Band ]ierfornied a choice seleetic 
and it was supposed that the services were concluded, but not so ; the merab( 
of the Convention had become interested with tlie good things they had heai 
and \\anted more, and, seeing the illustrious gentlemen who occupied the platfor 
they <lt'ci(led to call upon them. General Henry S. Lane, of Indiana, was t 
first called out. His presence at once commanded respect. Tall and straight 
an Indian, with a beard as white as snow, he presented a very handsome picti 
as he stood forth to welcome his old comrades in arms. 

With a delivery evidently coming from a heart full of joy he welcomed the 1 
roes of Mexico, and said that in tlie days of '4G and '48 tiiey had fought for o 



20 PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL CONVENTION 

common country; now he greeted them from all parts of the United States as 
brethren, knowing but one Hag and one country. The results of the war with 
Mexico were great ; the acquisition of an immense amount of valuable territory ; 
the settlement beyond dispute of the Western Texas boundary question ; the great 
wealth which California had already brought forth and given to the world ; Ne- 
vada, with its mineral wealth, Texas, with its immense resources, were instances 
of what return the work of the Mexican volunteers was bringing to tlu; nation. 
The address of General Lane was received with great enthusiasm, and then Gen- 
eral Cadwallader, of Philadelphia, responded to a very complimentary call. His 
remarks were pleasantly received, and when he had concluded the audi(Mice rose 
almost en masse and called for General Sherman, who was at once introduced by 
General Denver. The General good-humoredly came forward and said that he 
wore the badge of the veterans of the Mexican war. He had come as a soldier in 
obedience to orders from his superior otficers of the Convention. He sympathized 
heartily with the motives which had prompted the gathering of veterans of tlie 
Mexican w^ar from all parts of the country. And he would say, not only as tlie 
General of the Armies of the United States, but as a citizen of Washington, that 
whatever he was required to do in farthering the interests of the veteran^, xhvy 
mio-ht rely upon him. He liad been sent in 184G with a small body of regular 
troops around Cape Horn to California. It then took one hundred and niju'ty- 
eio-ht days of painful travel to reach that, then unexplored, territory, with oidy 
1,000 inhabitants, composed of Mexicans, native Californians, and Kanakas or 
emigrants from the Sandwich Islands. Think of the change in twenty-seven years. 
Now the quick passage by rail and steamship is j-eally wonderful. All of these 
great changes are due to the efforts of the Mexican veterans. 'J'hey are tlie link 
between the old and new. He doubted if so many changes had taken place in any 
country in the world, in such a short space of time. The country has gone through 
a terrible ordeal, but it had come out all right, and now the great objcet of all 
citizens from every part of the country should be to make tlie nation great and 
good, its people good men, good women, and good children. In eloquent terms h»» 
iiliuded to the representatives from the Southern States present, and taught those 
present a beautiful lesson of what was due from each other by the peoi)re of the 
country, both North and South. In closing he referred to his friends South, sing- 
lino- out ex-Governor Hebert, of Louisiana, and G. Mason Graham, saying tliat 
ttiey, as citizens of that State, had the same interest and feeling as he, (ShfMinan,) 
a citizen of Ohio, had for his country all the way through. They met as veterans 
of the war with Mexico, willing and ready to defend that same old flag vvinch 
they had followed from the shores of the Gulf of Mexico to the halls of the Monte- 
zumas. [Continued applause.] 

General Irwin McDowell was then called out, and in a pleasant, gossipy 
style related many incidents of the war, which entertained his hearers greatly. 
The quaint manner in which he put the stories of the war pleased and attracted 
his former comrades, who deeply regretted his congh. 

Judge T. J. Mackey then made a brilliant and eloquent address, dwelling upon 
the manner in which his regiment, the Palmetto, of South Carolina, had conducted 
itself at the battle of Mexico, and then referred briefly to the diflerent circum- 
stances of civil war, which had separated many of the survivors of the Mexican 
war, and paid a high tribute to the soldiers of both sides during the war for the 
Union. The men of the South feel that it is good to be here, as do the men of the 
North. They have met here as brothers. Hereafter, in peace, they are friends ; 
in war, they are brothers in arms. Having sheathed their swords, they can be 
trusted as they trust their fellow-countrymen. 

Ex-Governor Paul O. Hebert, of Louisiana, was next introduced, and made 
a teUing speech. He was followed by Colonel Johnston, of Georgia, in a few 
remarks. 

The Convention then adjourned to meet at Willard Hall, and proceed with the 
business for which it was called. 

On arriving at the Hall it was found that a party who had previously engaged 
tlie premises for evening performances, had closed the doors, and Colonel P. H. 



OF VETERANS OF THF MEXICAN WAR. 21 

AUahacb, Treasurer of tlie Wasliington Association, was requested to engage 
aiiotlicr hall for the conchuling business of the Convention. 

Colonel AHabach stated that he would have Masonic Temple fitted out for the 
purpose by 10 o'clock a. m. to-morrow, and the Convention adjourned to that time 
and place. 



THIRD DAY-JANUARY 17, 1874. 



The Convention was called to order at 10 o'clock a. m., in Masonic Temple. 
President J. W. Denver in the chair; A. M Kenaday, Wm. Linn Tidball, of New 
York, and O. R. S;nith, of Xorth Carolina, officiating as Secretaries. 

The reading of the minutes of yesterday's proceedings was dispensed with by 
vote of the Convention. 

Colonel Wm. I/uni Tidball, on belialf of the Committee appointed for that pur- 
pose, reported the following 

MEMORIAL. 

To the Senate and House of Representaiives of ih". United States of America in Con- 
gress assembled : 

Tlip undersigned, vour petitioners, of the survivors of those who served in the 
war of the Ignited States against Mexico, in the years of 1840. 1847 and 1*4S, re- 
spectfully invite the attention of your honoral)le body to the conscientious considera- 
tion of a few facts important iu their estimation, and humbly crave that the prayer 
of this petition may be mercifully granted to them as a recognition of, and reward 
ft»r, the valuable services they rendered the Government and people in that war. 
Although more than a (juarter of a century has elapsed since the establishment of 
the i)eace whicli followed that sanguinary struggle, it is not presumed that the 
ii'Uiarkable events of that period are so remote as to have passed from the memory 
of those who then lived, or of so little consequence as to have received no atten- 
tion from those who have gleaned their knowledge of the past from the pages of 
history. It is not thought to be necessary, at least in this brief memoruil, to 
cmnnerate the many marvelous benefits that have resulted from that war to this 
country and its numerous inhabitants, even though it might not ]je ami^s. and we 
earnestly entreat that hereafter we may be allowed, at some eai'lj' futuit^ day, to 
bring vividl\- to your recollection some of these extraordinary advantages. For 
the present, suffioe it to say that the immense territory acquired through the war, 
extiMiding to the Pacific ocean, has opened to our Government and people tlie 
eonimerce of the world, while the precious ores concealed beneath its surface have 
served to increase the wealth of the people and develop the latent resources of the 
country in a degree unparalleled in the prospeiity of any nation of ancient or 
modern civilization. Put while thousands ui)on thousands who never shared in 
the dangers and privations of that war have been immeasm-ably benefitted by the 
aciiusition of that vast territory, very few of those who won that precious posses- 
sio.. by their bi-avery and blood have realized any advantages, direct or indirect, 
fr(»m their own glorious achievements. It is a i)ainfid fact to record that very 
many of those who fought valiantly in that war for the honor of our fiag, the 
rights of our nation, and the i)eace wlfich has ever since existed between us and 
our sister Republic, are now not only poor in this workPs ^oods, so essential to 
tlK? comforts of human happiness, but absolutely destitute of the very necessities 
of existence, and pensioners upon the charity of those of their comrades in arms 
whom fortune has more highly favored. There are many others not so poor, but 
still poor, whom the pittance we crave of our country would save; from much t\\- 
ture unavoidable suttering, while it would enable those above want to bestow their 
i-harity more liberally upon those who are in distre.-s or destitution. Your petl- 



22 PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL CONVENTION 

tioners, therefore, linmbly pray your honorable body, in view of their valuable 
services to the country, the long period of time that has since elapsed, the great 
reduction of theii- number by death, the result of wounds received in battle or 
disease contracted in tliat service, the encroachments of age, with its attendant 
disabilities, the extreme poverty of some of their number, and the inability of 
others to render them adequate assistance, that you will grant, without favor or 
discrimination, to all those who served in that war for a period of sixty days, and 
were honorably discharged, the small sum of eiglit dollars per month for and dur- 
ing their natural lives. And your humble petitioners, as in duty bound, will ever 

^^'^^' Wn.LTAM Tum^ TIDE ALL, New York. 

^ P. O. HEBEKT, Louisiana. 

DAVID 8. JOHN^STOX, Georgia. 

M. D. MANSON, Indiana. 

ED. R. BILES, Pennsylvania. 

Committee, 

On motion of Colonel David S. Johnston, of Georgia, the memorial was unani- 
mously adopted. 

Colonel Tidball also read, on behalf of the Committee, the form of a bill for an 
Act of Congress ciivering the objects in view, which was accepted by tlie Conven- 
tion as an appendage to the memorial. 

Judge T. J. ^lackey, of South Carolina, moved that the Secretary of the 
National Association of Veterans of the Mexican War be, and he is hereby in- 
structed, to have the memorial to Congress properly engrossed for presentation, 
and that the President and Secretary of the Convention attach their names thereto, 
and when so prepared it be transmitted to the two Houses of Congress by the 
President of the Convention. 

Colonel F. Peteler, of Minnesota, presented a copy of a petition prepared by 
surviving soldiers of the Mexican War residing in that State, with a list of names 
of members of the State Association. Tlie petition asks Congress to place tlieii 
names on the Pension Kolls of the country. 

;Mi'. E. K. O. Clough presented a form of enrollment to be adopted, and obtained 
leave to tile it with the Secretary. The form is tabulated as follows : 1. — name ; 
2. a"-e; 3. — rank; 4. — letter of co., &c. ; 5. — Commandhig officers ; 6. — regi- 
ment, &c. ; 7. — commanding officer ; 8. — when enlisted; 9. — where enlisted ; 10.— 
when discharged ; 11.— where discharged; 12,13, 14. — description of eyes, hair, 
.complexion ; 15. — present P. O. address ; IG. — ^i-emarks. 

The hour fixed for that purpose having arrived, the Convention formed andpro- 
,cecde(il to the Executive Mansion to pay their respects to President Grant. 

Tlie procession headed by General Denver, General Cadwallader, and Secretary 
A. M. Kenaday, and marshaled by ex-Governor ilebert, marclied by way of F 
street and the avenue to the President's House, where they filed into tlie East 
jloom and formed a hollow square around the room. 

Geu' rai Grant entered at the western central door imaccompanied, and was met 
by ex-Governor Hebert, who very briefly said tliat his old comrudes in the Mexican 
war liiid called to pay him their respects. The President immediately proceeded 
to tii<> iveadof the column, accompanied by General Denver, and reversing the usual 
custo.n, marched around the whole line himself, grasping each man's hand and 
o-ivin£- ii a hearty shake, upon his being introduced. 

^ After completing the hand-shaking Colonel J. H. Ruddach stepped forward and 
l)inned u» tlie lappel of the President's coat, taking it from his own, one of the 
Baltimore association badges. The President then stopped a few moments and 
chatted with many of the veterans, during which time he stated that during the 
war he acted as quartermaster, commissary and adjutant. He said that Colonel 



OF VETERANS OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 23 

^'^lli^slor was colonel of his reo^inicnt, but was not with them in Mexico, the regi- 
iiKMit h{ in.": comnuindcd :it lirst In^ Brevet- Major Allen. The veterans then re- 
formed and returned to the Masonic Temple, where business was resumed. 

Ui>oa bein^ called to order the President called the attention of the Convention 
to a beautiful vase which had been placed upon a center table on the front of th(j 
platform brought from South Carolina, and requested that it be received standing, 
all present at once risini^ to their feet. 

The va."se stands upon a square base of about 10 by 12 inches, and three inches in 
height, restiui^ ui>on ea,i:le"s claws, all of solid silver, and beautiful!}^ chased in 
frost work, representi n«i: the charsre and repulse at New Orleans. It was purchased 
solely by the ladies of iiomh Carolina, two thousand subscribing^ for that purpose, 
and bon' the followiiii; inscription on the front: ''Presented by the Ladies of 
South Caroliua to Major-General Andrew Jackson, Januarys, 1815." 

In<crip ions on the obverse : coat of arms of South Carolina, and motto on both 
sides in full; presented by General Andrew Jackson to Captain W. B. Stanley, in 
trust, for the last survivor of the Palmetto rej^iment. 

Jud,i::e Mackey, on beiuij: requested by the President to give its histor3\ said the 
vase was pi-esented to General Jackson by the ladies of the 9th Congres^sional dis- 
trict of South Caroliuji, at the close of the War of 1812. General Jackson be- 
queathed it to the State, to be given to the man who, in the next foreign war, 
should be deemed entitled to it by acts of valor and gallantry. It was decided 
after the la<t war thai no one man should be selected to hold it, and it was pre- 
.*:ented to W. B. Slanle\', to hold in trust for the last survivor of the Palmetto 
regiment. 

On motion of Dr. J, M. Todd, it was re.«olved that the thanks of the Convention 
be tendered to the Palmetto delegation, who had afforded them the pleasure of 
beholding the inestimable ** Jackson vase," whose beautiful bright surface mirrors 
our happy re-union greetings. May the memories of the past, like its shimmer- 
ing beauty, never grow dim ! 

Judge T. J. Mackej-, South Carolina, on behalf of the committee for that object, 
then submitted, for the organization and government of a National Association of 
Veterans of the Mexican War, the following ^ 

CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS. 

Article 1. This association shall be known by the name and style of the Na- 
tional Association of Veterans of the Mexican War, and shall be composed of sol- 
(lier.<, sailors, and marines who served in that war, now in the .service of the United 
States, or who have been honorably discharged. 

Art H. The association shall hereafter meet once a year, on the 22d day of 
Fel)ruary, in the city of Washington, District of Columbia, or at such other time, 
and in such other place as shall be selected by the association. 

Art. ill The object< of the association shall be to organize the .scattered vete- 
rans of the Mexican war into one body, upon the broad principles of equality, fra- 
teinity, and charity, for the promotion of social intercourse, good-fellowshif), and 
all pi-oper assistance. < 

Art. IV. The otfii^crs of the as.sociation shall be a president, one vice president 
from each State, Territory, and District of Columbia, the army and the navy, one 
troasiuer, live .secretaries, a council of administration of one from each State, Ter- 
ritory, and tlie District of Columbia, the army and tiie navy, and such other 
ollicors as niay be provided for in the by-laws. 

Art. V. The otlicers of the association shall be chosen by a vote of a majority 
of the members present at the annual meeting thereof, and shall continue inoflice 
until the next annual meeting, and until their successors shall be elected. 

Art. VI. All members in good standing in State and other local organizations 
shall be entitled to membership in this as.soclation, and shall become members 
tqKui written application by a vote of a majority of the members present at any- 
regular meeting vi the association. 



24 PEOCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL, CONVENTION 

Art. Vfl. No ;i Iteration or amendment shall l»e made to this constitution , 
unless the same shall have been proposed in writing by three members at an 
annual meeting-, and sustained by a vote of two-thirds of the members present, 
after due noiice to the association of the proposed alteration or amendment. 

BY-LAWS. 

1 . The duties of the officers of this association shall be such as usually devolve 
np4)n officers of similar associations. 

2. Tlie business of this association shall be conducted in accordance with the 
usages of legislative bodies in this country. 

3. These by-laws may be altered or amended at any annual meeting of the 
association by a vote of two-thirds of the members present at such meeting. 

FRANCIS E. PINTO, 
T. J. MACKEY, 
J. M. TODD, 
WM. J. MA(JKEY, 
W. T. WARD, 

Co')nmittee. 

On motion of General E. R. Biles, of Philadelphia, the Constitution and By- 
Laws were unanimously adopted. 

On motion of Colonel Edward Cantwell, of Georgia, the delegates present and 
accredited to the National Convention, were made members of the National As- 
sociation. 

On motion of Dr. J, M. Todd, of Ohio, it was resolved, that the thanks of this 
National Convention are eminently due, and the same are hereby tendered to the 
Rev. Dr. W. II. Tiffany, of the Metropolitan M. E. Church, for Iiis kindly minis- 
trations, and also to the authorities of that Church for the generous donation of 
tlie use of their beautiful edifice for the literary exercises of the Convention. 

On motion of Captain I- W. Griffith, of Iowa, the following resolution was 
adopted : 

Resolved^ That the delegates to this Convention from the several States and Ter- 
ritories, and the officers of the various local associations, be requested to use their 
intlueace to obtain the passage of a joint resolution in the several State Legisla- 
tures requesting their representatives in Congress to carry out the objects peti- 
tioned for by this Convention. 

On motion of Mr. Osborn, of Indiana, it was 

Resolved^ That the delegates use their influence on their return home, to organ- 
ize State and Territorial societies auxiliary to the National Association, and that 
ihey obtain the names of all the surviving veterans of the Mexican W.ir, and have 
t hem properly and uniformly enrolled, and transmit copies to the Secretary of the 
National Association at Washington. 

J. F. Ray, of Nevada, offered for adoption the following : 

Resolved^ That this Convention highly appreciate the generous and patriotic 
s-pirit manifested by the Legislature of California, in recommending Congress to 
grant to the soldiers of the Mexican War a pension for their services. 

Adopted, and the California newspapers respectfully requested to publish the 
same. 

On motion of Dr. .J, M. Todd, of Ohio, it was 

Resolved, That the thanks of the Convention are due, and are hereby tendered 
to President J. W. Denver, t© Mr. A. M. Kenaday and the other Secretaries, and 
Colonel J. C. ICretschmar, Sergeant-at-anns, for the impartial and efficient manner 
in which they have discharged their duties during our recent sessions. Adopted. 

On motion, the thanks of th^ Convention were voted to the local press of Wash- 
ington for the careful and complete reports they have given the public of our 
proceedings, and to the press elsewhere, as iar *s our pi-Oceedin^' k>jve been no- 
ticed. 



OF VETERANS OF THE MEXIAN WAR. 25 

On motion of General Man?on, of Indiana, the Convention tlien proceeded to elect 
officers of the National Association for the ensuing year. 

On motion of Colonel J II. Ruddach, of Baltimore, General George Cadwalla- 
d«'r, of Pennsylvania, was elected President by acclamation, and General J. VV. 
Denver, of I>. C, 1st Vice-President. 

Tlie following are the other Vice-Presidents and the Conncil of Administration. 
U. S. Army.— W. T. Sherman, V. P., Washington, D. C. ; Irwin McDowell, C. 

of A.. I^ouisville, Ky. , 

U. S. Xavv. — Com. Fabius Stanley, V. P. ; Surgeon General (retired) W. M. 

Wood, C. of A. 
Alabama.— John Coffey, V. P., Fackler's P. O. ; A. J. Iliiggins, C. of A., 

Se(>ttsboro. 
Arkansas.— James F. Fagan, V. P., Little Hock ; J. a Peay, C. of A., do. 
Calikoknia. — Thomas J. Knipe, V. P., San l^'rancisco; Hon. S. O. Houghton, 

C. of A., House of Representatives. 
Colorado. —S. X. Hoyt, V. P., Washington, D. C; S. M Logan, C. of A., 

Di-nver. 
Connecticut. — Xot represented. 
District of Columbia.— ^T. W. Denver, V, P., AV'ashington ; Albert Pike, C. 

of A., do. 
FiX)RiDA. — Xot represented. 

Geokgl\. — George S. Fisher, V. P., Augusta; D. S. Johnston, C. of A.,M5vdison. 
Illinois.— M. L. Payne, V. P., Pontiac; W. A. Ricliardson, C. of A., Quincy. 
Indiana.— H. S. Lane, V. P., Crawfordsville ; JoiniOsborn, C. of A., Greencastlc. 
Iowa.— I. W. Griffitli, V. P., [)esMoines; M. M. Trumbull, C. of A., Dubuque. 
Kansas. — E. X. O. Clouorh, V. P., Leavenworth: Samuel Kennedv, C. of A., do. 
Kentucky.— W. T. Ward, V. P., Louisville ; J. F. Huber, C. of A., do. 
Louisiana — G. Mason Graham, V. P., Alexandria ; Paul O. Hebert, C. of A., 

New Orleans. 
Maine. — Not represented. 

Maryland. — .T. 11. Ruddach, V. P., Baltimore: Lewis F. Beeler, C. of A., do. 
M^vssACHUSETTS.— Isaac ll,ull AVright, V. P., Boston ; 11. A. McGlcnen, C. of A., 

Boston. 
MiCHKMN — .J. N. A. L. Simonds, V. P., Tecumseh ; Charles B. Kimball, C. of 

A., Adrian. 
Minnesota —W. A. Gorman, V. P., St. Paul ; F. Peteler, C. of A., Minneapolis. 
Mississippi. — !). H. Cooper, V. P., Georgetown, D. C. ; Beverly Matthews, C. 

of A., Columbus. 
^Missouri. — James Shields, V. P., CarroUton ; A. W. Doniphan, C. of A., 

Richmond. 
Nebraska. — Xot represented. 

Nevada.— W. W. McCoy. V. P., Eureka; W.F. Stewart, C. of A., Virginia City. 
New llA.MPsiiiKE.— T. P I'ierce, V. P.. Nashua; Geo. Bowers, C. of A., do. 
New Jersey.— CIiarle.N Bowers, V. P., X\'wark ; James E. X'uttmau, C. of A., do. 
New York. — .Ios('j)h llookt-r. V. P.. New York; Fi-aucisE Pinto, C. of A., do. 
North Carolina.— 0. IL Smith, V. P., Raleigh; E. Cantwell, C. of A., Wil- 
mington. 
Oiiio._C. X\ Allen, V. P.. Steubenville ; J. M, Todd, C. of A., Bridgeport. 
OrE(;on and Wasiiinoton TERRlTOiiY. — Joseph Lane, V. P., Roseburg, Oregon; 

JauK's Tilton. C. of A., Seattle. W. T. 
Pennsylvania. —Robt. Klotz, V. P., Mauch Chunk; Wni. J. Mackey, C. ®f 

A , IMiiladelphia. 
Rhode Island — Xot represented. 
South Carolina— W. li Stanley, V. P., Columbia; T. J. Mackey, C. of A., 

Chester. 

Tenni-:ssee. — Gideon J. Pillow, V. P., Memphis; Joseph Cooper, C. of A., 
Kiioxville. 

Texas,— G, II. Giddings, V. P., Brenham ; S, B ^Vlaxey, C. of A., Paris, La- 
mar Co. 



26 PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL. CONVENTION 

Vermont. — ISTot represented. 

Virginia.— Robt. G. Scott, V. P., Richmond ; B. D. Harman, C. of A., Stannton. 

West Virginia.— G. A. Porterlield. V. P., Charlestown ; John P. Ba.i?gs, C. of 

A., VVheelhig. 
WiSCONSiN.~Dr. Otis Iloyt, V. P., Hudson; C. R* Johnson, C. of A., Black 

River Falls. 
When the election of Secretaries was announced as being in order, on a raotion 

to that effect the Convention decided that the First Secretaiy should be a resident 

of Washington, D. C. 

Secretakies.— Alex. M, Kenaday, (of Cal.,) Washington, D. C. ; W. L. Schley, 
BaltiiMore, Md. ; F. D. Clark, of New York; Josiah Given, Des Moines, 
Iowa ; John K. Cooke, Norfolk, Va. 
Treasurer.— Justus I. McCarthy, Washington, D. C. 

On motion of Dr. J. M. Todd, of Ohio, General Edwin R. Biles, (1234 Ellsworth 
St. Phila.,) was elected Marshal of the Association. 

After the election of secretaries had been announced Mr. Kenaday, who had 
been temporarily absent from the hall, resumed his labors, and, on discovering 
what had been done, announced to the Convention that his spare time was occu- 
pied by the duties of secretary of the local association, and that he would have to 
decline the honor of serving as first secretary of the national organization, 

Mr. Nuttman, of California, moved that the declination be accepted. He knew 
his colleague well, and knew also that his proix)sition was not made in a spirit of 
buncombe. 

The Convention refused, by an almost unanimous yote, to receive Mr. Kena- 
day's excuse, when he informed the body that under the circumstances he would 
''accept the situation," and devote himself to the work imposed upon him with 
whatever of ability lie possessed. 

On motion of H. R. Crosby, the following members were appointed to select an 
appropriate design for a badge and seal for the National Association, viz. : Gene- 
ral P. O. Hebert, Major A. J. Dallas, U. S. A., General James Tilton and H. R. 
Crosby. 

On motion of W. J. Mackey, of Pa., the proceedings of the Convention were 
ordered to be published in pamphlet form. 

On motion, a collection was taken up to defray the expenses. The Treasurer 
reported that $56.40 was received. 

On motion of Judge T. J. Mackey, of South Carolina, Colonel Wm. Linn Tid- 
ball, of New York, was appointed orator of the day for the next annual reunion. 
On motion of O. R. Smith, of N. C-, it was resolved, that the Vice-Presidents 
of the National Association are hereby authorized and requested to collect a suf- 
ficient sum from the several associations to defray the expenses incurred by the 
Convention. 

On motion, the Convention adjourned to 7 o'clock p. m., at which time it was 
T)roposed to induct the officers of the National Association into their respective 
offices, and for such other business as may come before the Convention. 



EVENING SESSION. 

The Convention reassembled at 7 o'clock, President Denver lu the chaii', anil 
A. M. Kenaday officiating as Secretary, 



OF \T5TERANS OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 27 

The question of place of meetino; for the next assemblage of delegates behig up 
for consideration, E. N. O. Clough named Leavenworth, Kansas, as a suitable 
place. General E. R. Biles, of Philadelphia, suggested the city of Baltimore. 
Dr. J. M. Todd, of Ohio, thought Washington City the most suitable place until 
the association had accomplished the desired legislation on the part of Congress. 
After wluch Messrs. Clough and Biles withdrew their recommendations, and 
Washingtoiu D. C-, was declared the unanimous choice of the Convention. 

Colonel J. II. Euddach, President of the Baltimore Association, assured the 
members that a warm reception would have awaited them at Baltimore had she 
been honored with their choice; but tliat they would come again to Washington 
with pleasure. 

Major Patrick Hart, of Richmond, Va., submitted by the way of inquiry, whether 
this Convention should acton the question of a Xational Convention on the oc- 
casion of the lOOth anniversary of the Nation's Birthday, July 4th, 1S7G. 

General G. Mason Graham, of Louisiana, suggested that the Xational Associa- 
tion could settle the matter at their meeting next year. 

The President, General J. W. Denver, then addressed the Convention as follows : 

Comrades : The work of the Convention has closed. It has done all that was 
expected of it, and I congratulate you on the success which has crowned your 
labors. In the discharge of the duties imixysed on me as the presiding oftlcer, I 
have endeavored to act with entire impartiality and fairness. If at any time 1 
have failed to do so, or if at any time I have otfended any one in the slightest de- 
gree, I trust that it will be looked on with leniency and not be attributed to wil- 
fulness on my part. The position was an arduous one, and not sought for by me, 
but when it was conferred on me I did not shrink from it, and have discharged the 
duties imposed on me to the best of my abilities. 

The Convention has been a grand success, and I congratulate you on this au- 
spicious tx'ginning of what every well-wisher of his country must hope may have 
many renewals. I trust we may have many nu^etings hereafter, and that we may 
always meet, as on this occasion, with feelings of the kindliest and most fraternal 
atlections, eschewing every sentiment which is not commensurate with the whole 
extent of our common country- 
Returning j'ou my sincere thanks for the kindness and courtesy sliown me 
while acting as your presiding otlicer, I now declare the Xational Convention of 
Uki Survivors of the Mexieaii Wa,v adjourned sine die. 



28 PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAI. CONVENTION 



INSTALLATION OF OFFICEES 



NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF VETERANS OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 



Judge T. J. Mackey, of South Carolina ; General E. E. Biles, of Pennsylvania ; 
and Colonel J. H. Ruddach, of Maryland, escorted General George Cadwallader, 
President of the Association, to the platform, who addressed the members sub- 
stantially, as follows : 

Comrades : I cannot express the gratitude with wiiich the honor that you have 
bestowed upon me by selecting me to preside over your organization, has inspired 
me. For several yeaVs past, as many of you well know, I have led a life of retire- 
ment from public aflairs. I tJierefore did not seek, nor did I expect, the generous 
distinction with which you liave honored me. 

I have been very deeply moved by tlie incidents of this reunion, and the reflec- 
tion which naturally spring from it. Here I have seen long forgotten faces, and 
have had incidents long-forgotten recalled as one and another of my old comrades 
would ask me, "don't you remember this place and that," which the lapse of 
twenty-seven years liad caused to grow dim in m}' memory, bat which their eager 
questions quickly recalled to my mind. Here in this assemblage comrades in arms 
have stood side JDy side again after a parting of more than a quarter of a ce'itiuy. 

In that period of separation great events and mighty changes have taken place 
m our coiuitry. Yet those changes fuid us here all Americans to-day and uuitt-d 
in a common country. I have been profoundly impressed by the sentiments ut- 
tered here by our comrades of Mexico from the South, who subsequently fought 
in the Confederate army. Tiiey were brave soldiers, who followed doubtless Uunr 
honest convictions of duty, however mistaken those convictions may be regarded 
in the judgment of history. Let the soldiers of the Union always respond as they 
have done here in tlie same noble spirit. Foreign countries, indeed, I may say 
the whole world, have looked on with astonishment at the rapid reliabilltation of 
our country after the great convulsion through which it has but recently passed. 

The time is opportune for annihilating all lingering diMerences that may yet 
divide American citizens. And i" my juilgmentthe men who fought valiantly in 
the late war, on both sides, can, if they come together, better settle those diller- 
cnces in the true interest of our great republic than any set of mere politicians. 
There can be no better period than tlie present. Pi^aee and order prevail in our 
country; no dangers exist now, and none thivaten the future, and all true Amer- 
icans should be united in a common sentiment and etibrt for its perpetuation. I 
desu-e to say, in reference to one of the special objects of your meeting, that I sin- 
cerely hope that Congress will at once erase from the statute-books all laws which 
exclude from tlie pension rolls those veterans of tiie Mexican war and the war of 
1812, who served since in the Confederate army. Again thankiug you, comrades, 
for the honor yon have done me, I can only add that 1 will make no i)romises, but 
will endeavor to perform all the duties that your kindness has devolved upon me. 
If 1 succeed in this as well as our gallant comrade, ((xeneral J. W. Denver,) who 
presided over your convention that organized this association, I know that you 
will be fully satistied. 

The other officers of the Association, heretofore enumerated, who were then 
present, were installed and proceeded to the transaction of business. 
The following resolution, introductid by General Milroy, of Oregon, elicited 



OF \^ETERANS OF THE MEXICAl^ WAR. 29 

gome discussion, and was finally passed as an expression of opinion by the Asso- 
ciation, to wit : 

Resolved, That the Congress of the United States is most earnestly requested 
by tliis Association to repeal all laws which prohibit the payment of any pension 
money to any soldier of the Mexican War, the War of 1812, or other wars, who 
Berwd in the Confederate army. 

At 9.30 p. m. the Association adjourned to meet in Wasliington, D. C.,on tlie 
22d of February, 1875. 



Following is the bill submitted to Congress, January 2G, 1874, by Genl. Jonx 
A. Logan, in the Senate, and Genl. James S. Negley, in the House : 

An Act granting Pensions to certain Soldiers and Sailors of the War of eighteen him- ' 
dred and forty-six with Mexico, and the Widows of deceased Soldiers and Sailors. 

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of 
America in Congress assembled, Tiiat the Secretary of the Interior be, and he is 
hereby authorized and directed to place on the p^nisjou roll tlie names of the sur- 
viving officers and enlisted men, including niilitia and volunteers, of the military 
and naval service of the UniKid States, who served sixty days in the \Var of eigh- 
teen hundred and forty-six with Mexico, and were honorably discharged, and to 
such other officers and soldiers as may have been personally named in any resolu- 
tion of Congress for any specilic service in said war, although their term of service 
may have been less than sixty days, and who shall subscribe an oath to support 
the Constituiion of the United States ; and the surviving widows of such officers 
and enlisted men : Provided, That such widows shall not have remarried. 

Sec. 2. A?id be it further enacted, That this act shall not apply to au}^ person 
who is receiving a pension at the rate of eight dollai-s or more per month ; nor to 
any person receiving a pension less than eight dollars per month, except for tiio 
dilVerence between tiie pension now received and eight dollars per month. Pen- 
sions under this act shall be at the rate of eight dollars per month, except as herein 
provided, when a person is receiving a pension of less than eight dollars per month, 
and shall be paid to the persons entitled thereto from and after the j)assage of 
this act, for and during the term of tiieir natural lives. 

Sec. 3. And be it further enacted. That before the name of any person shall bo 
placed upon the pension roll under this act, proof shall be made, under such rules 
and regulations as the Secretary of the Interior may prescribe, that the appiicai t 
is entitled to a pension under tlie provisions of this act ; and any person who shall 
falsely take any oath required to be taken under the provisions of this act, shall 
be guilty of perjury; and the Secretary of the Interior shall cause to be stricken 
from the Pension lioll the nann' of any person whenever it shall appear, by proof 
s;xtisfactory to him, that such name was put upon such roll through false or fraud- 
ulent representations as to the right of such person to a pension under the pro- 
visions of this act- TIk^ loss of acertilicate of discharge shall not deprive the ap- 
plicant of the benellts of this act, but other proof of services performed and of uii 
honorable discharge, if satisfactory, shall be deemed sufficient. 

Sec. 4. And be it farther enact'ed, That the provisions of sections twelve and 
thirteen of an act entitled '* An act supplementary to * An act to grant pensions,.' '* 
approved July fourth, eighteen hundred and sixty-four, and of sections two, three 
and four of an act entitled '' An act supplemeiitary to several acts, relating to 
pensions," approved June sixth, eighteen himdred :uid sixty-six, shall be applica- 
ble to the pensions granted by this act, and no law now in existence, which in any 
waycontlicts with the provisions of this act, shall be applicable to the survivors of 
the war with ^lexico, above-mentioned, or be so construed as to deprive them of the 
benefits of this act. 



IMPOKTAISTT CIRCULAE TO SURVIVORS OF THE WAR WITH MEXICO. 

headquaiiteks national .a ssoctal ton 

Veterans of the Mexican War, 

Washi7igton, D. C, Ajjrll 4, 1874. 

Comrades : You are probably aware that an obstacle has been thvfenvn hi onr 
way to immediate success in obtaining pensions for surviving Veterans of the 
Mexican War; one which calls for prompt and energetic action on the part of aJl 
who feel an interest in the work inaugurated by the late National Convention, 
and especially of the officers of State and County organizations. 

The Hon. J. H. Baker, Commissioner of Pensions, in response to an inquiry by 
the Committee of Pensions of the House of Eepresentatives, is reported to have 
submitted an estimate of tlie probable number of survivors who would be entitled 
to receive pensions under the bill now before Congress, in which it is reckoned 
that out of the 73,200 total enlistments from the beginning to the close of the war 
of 1846-48, there are still living, in 1874, some 39,000— considerably more than 
one-half of the whole number ! 

It would be idle for us to argue the question with the Honorable Commissioner, 
or attempt to controvert the figures of his arithmeticians, who are said to base 
worked out this problem on the basis of mortality tables used by Life Insui-ance 
Companies in calculating the '"'' Expectation of Life," and other processes used iu 
the Census Bureau — applicable, perhaps, to the population of a vast country in 
judging of its decrease by natural mortality, but not to the case in point. We 
might, perhaps, (outside of official circles,) urge with some degree of plausibility 
that the casualties of that war diminished the force engaged in it materially ; and 
that the great prevalence of chronic diseases contracted ni the unhealthy tropics by 
unacclimated men who had escaped the dangers of the battle-field, sadly tliinned 
onr ranks during the thirteen years immediately following the Mexican cam- 
paign ; and also that in 1861, the martial spirit slumbering in the bosoms of most 
of those remaining, carried large numbers of them into the late civil war, where 
hardship and exposure to dangers and disease hurried to untimely graves so many 
younger and more robust men. 

But these arguments, easily comprehended by ourselves, who can count upon 
our fingers the number of our immediate companions in the Mexican war still 
living, would have little, if any, weight against the estimates of the Pension Bu- 
reau over the official signature of its chief functionary. 

Now, in the present humor of Congress in regard to the expenditure of public 
money, it would be thought next to madness to ask members to add unto the im- 
mense appropriations required to run the Pension Bureau, the enormous sum 
which Commissioner Baker thinks he will require to meet the demands of our bill ; 
and the only course left for us to pursue, in order to arrive at the approximate 
number of survivors, is to make a thorough canvass of every State and 
Territory of the Union, through the instrumentality of our town, county and 
State organizations, with the aid of our friends of the public press, (to whom we 
are already under lasting obligations) and enroll as soon as possible the name of 
every known survivor, or widow of a veteran of Mexico, the post office address, 
his rank, the company, regiment, commanding officer of each; term of service, 
when and where enhsted and discharged, and forward the same to the First Secre- 
retary of the National Association of Veterans of the Mexican War: (Address, 
A. M. Kenaday, Lock Box No. 37, Washington, D. C.,) to enable him to prepare 
the rolls for the inspection of the Hon. Committees of Congress before the close 
of the present session, if possible. In tliis way only can a reliable estimate be 
arrived at for an appropriation ; and it is confidently hoped, if our case is to be 
fairly considered and public sentiment regarded, that Congress will promptly vote 
an amount sufficient to cover the applications thus presented. 
: This plan has been submitted to General James S. Negley, who has charge of 
our bill in the House, and to General John A. Logan, in the Senate, both of 
whom approve and commend to prompt and energetic action an honest and com- 
plete enrollment of every survivor, not already on the Pension Rolls, (of whom 
6,525 were admitted to the Pension Eolls prior to 1861,) and the widows of our 
deceased comrades, where known, as the only feasible method of testing the accu- 
racy of the Commissioner's calculations. 

By order: A. M. KENADAY, Is^ ^ecrejJar?/, ^c. 



PROCEEDINGS 

OB TUB 

ISTatioiial Association 

OF 

^letcraufj of the J|^e.\ican fflar, 

Second Annual Reunion, 

TIELD IX 

THE CITY OF WASHINGTON, 

FKIUlTAliY 22 D AND 23d, 1875, 





COMPILED BY SECRETARY A. M. KENAOAY. 



W ASHING T O N : 

JOHN II. CUNNIXGIIAM, I'RINTER. 
18 7 5. 



IMPOKTANT CIRCULAE TO SURVIVOKS OF THE WAR WITH MEXICO, 

headquaiiteks national assoctaiton 

Veterans of the Mexican War, 

Washington, D. C, April 4, 1874. 

Comrades : You are probably aware that an obstacle has been thivwn in our 
way to immediate success in obtaining pensions for surviving Veterans of the 
Mexican War; one which calls for prompt and energetic action on the part of all 
who feel an interest in the work inaugurated by the late N'ational Convention, 
and especially of the officers of State and County organizations. 

The Hon. J. H. Baker, Commissioner of Pensions, in response to an inquiry by 
the Committee of Pensions of the House of Representatives, is reported to have 
submitted an estimate of the probable number of survivors who would be entitled 
to receive pensions under the bill now before Congress, in which it is reckoned 
that out of the 73,200 total enlistments from the beginning to the close of the war 
of 1846-48, there are still living, in 1874, some 39,000 — considerably more than 
one-half of the whole number ! 

It Avould be idle for us to argue the question with the Honorable Commissioner, 
or attemi^t to controvert the figures of his arithmeticians, who are said to ha\e 
worked out this problem on the basis of mortality tables used by Life Insui-ance 
Companies in calculating the "Expectation of Life," and other processes used iu 
the Census Bureau — applicable, perhaps, to the population of a vast country in 
judging of its decrease by natural mortality, but not to the case in point. We 
might, perhaps, (outside of official circles,) urge with some degree of plausibility 
that the casualties of that war diminished the force engaged in it materially; and 
that the great prevalence of chronic diseases contracted in the unhealthy tropics by 
unacclimated men who had escaped the dangers of the battle-field, sadly tliinned 
onr ranks during the thirteen years immediately following the Mexican cam- 
paign ; and also that in 1861, the martial spirit slumbering in the bosoms of most 
of those remaining, carried large numbers of them into the late civil war, where 
hardship and exposure to dangers and disease hurried to untimely graves so many 
younger and more robust men. 

But these arguments, easily comprehended by ourselves, who can count upon 
our fingers the number of our immediate companions in the Mexican war still 
living, would have little, if any, weight against the estimates of the Pension Bu- 
reau over the official signature of its chief functionary. 

Now, in the present humor of Congress in regard to the expenditure of public 
money, it would be thought next to madness to ask members to add unto the im- 
mense appropriations required to run the Pension Bureau, the enormous sum 
which Commissioner Baker thinks he will require to meet the demands of our bill ; 
and the only course left for us to pursue, in order to arrive at the approximate 
number of survivors, is to make a thorough canvass of every State and 
Territory of the Union, through the instrumentality of our town, county and 
State organizations, with the aid of our friends of the public press, (to whom we 
are already under lasting obligations) and enroll as soon as possible the name of 
every known survivor, or widow of a veteran of Mexico, the post office address, 
his rank, the company, regiment, commanding officer of each; term of service, 
when and where enlisted and discharged, and forward the same to the First Secre- 
retary of the ISTational Association of Veterans of the Mexican War: (Address, 
A. M. Kenaday, Lock Box No. 37, Washington, D. C.,) to enable him to prepare 
the rolls for the inspection of the Hon. Committees of Congress before the close 
of the present session, if possible. In tliis way only can a reliable estimate be 
arrived at for an appropriation ; and it is confidently hoped, if our case is to be 
fairly considered and public sentiment regarded, that Congress will promptly vote 
an amount sufficient to cover the applications thus presented. 
. This plan has been submitted to General Jajmes S. Negley, who has charge of 
our bill in the House, and to General John A. Logan, in the Senate, both of 
whom approve and commend to prompt and energetic action an honest and com- 
plete enrollment of every survivor, not already on the Pension Rolls, (of whom 
6,525 were admitted to the Pension Eolls prior to 1861,) and the widows of our 
deceased comrades, where known, as the only feasible method of testing the accu- 
racy of the Commissioner's calculations. 

By order: A. M. KENADAY, Is^ Secretary, ^c. 



PROCEEDINGS 

OF TUB 

IN^atioiial Association 

OF 

|ilcteranf; ofj the J|^e.\iian f|J 

Second Annual Reunion, 

IIKLD IN- 

THE CITY OF WASHINGTON. 

FKBRIAKY 22 n AND 2;jD, 1875, 



ar, 





COMPILED BY SECRETARY A. M. KENAPAY. 



WAS IIIXGTON: 

JOHN II. CUNNIXGIIAM, PRINTER. 

18 7"). 



PKOCEEDINGS 

OF THE 

/ 

ISTational -A^ssociation 

or 

11 lateralis afi the ^Mexican iHan 

Second Annual Reunion, 

^' HELD IN 

THE CITY OF WASHINGTON, 

FEBRUARY 22i) and 23d, 1875, 



CONTAINING 



ist of Delegates of 1874 and 187B ; Officers of the Association ; Reports 
of Officers and Connmittees ; Transactions of the Past Year; Re- 
port of the Pension Committee ; Interesting Correspond- 
ence Relative to the Dead in Mexico, &g. 



COMPILED BY SECRETARY A. M. KENADAY, 



WASHINGTON: 



RDER OF Business. 



1. At the appointed time the President shall take the chair and call the meeting 

to order. 

2. Boll call of officers. 

3. Appointment of Committee on Credentials and their Report. 

4. Minutes of the preceding meeting read and disposed of. 

5. Motions for and Appointment of Committees. 

6. Reports of Standing Committees. 

7. Unfinished Business. 

8. Final Keports of Committees and action thereon. 

9. Oration. 

10. New business. 

11. Election of Officers for ensuing year. 

12. Anything for the good of the Association. 

13. Adjournment. 



iRIEF iBlSTORY OF THE ORGANIZATION. 



On the 20th of Februiiry, 1873, ii) iesix)iise to a call for a meetmg of Mexican 
Veterans in Washington, to consider the propriety of joining as a body in the in- 
augural ceremonies of President Grant, on the ensiuLng 4th of March, about 
twenty persons assembled. After agreeing to the proposition for which they had 
met, Mr. A. M. ICenaday, resident agent in ■Washington of the San Francisco 
Associated Veterans of the Mexican War, called attention of those present to the 
fact that tlie Scott Legion of Pittsburgh, Pa., had forwarded a petition to Con- 
gi-ess for a i>ension to the survivors of the Mexican "War, which had l)een presented 
by General Negley, representative from that district. Mr. Kenaday moved 
that a committee on organization be appointed to prepare a plan of action to eo- 
oixirate in the Pittsburgh project, which was adopted, and the mover of the reso- 
lution made chairman of the committee. On the loth of April an address was 
printed by the chairman to tlie resident sm-vivors of the Mexican War, appealing 
to their patriotic impulses to unite in an association, and combine their efforts to 
promote the welfare of their old comrades, which resulted in the organization of 
the •' Associated Veterans of 1846" of this city, by electing, on the 1st of May, 
ensuing, the following ofBcei*s : 

President^ . . . General J. W. Denver, 

-rr- D -J ^ / Major F. T. LAliLY, 

Vice Presidents, , . , j General D. H. Cooper, 

Secretary, . . .A. M. Kenaday, 

Treasurer^ . . . Colonel P. H. Aelabach, 

Marshal, .... Major H. A. White, 

(Hon. J. J. Martin, 
General Albert Pike, 
Captain S. N. HOYT. 

At the next meeting, on the loth of May, 1873, Secretary Kenaday offered 
the following resolution, which passed unanimously : 

Resolved, That an jn\'itation is hereby extended by this association to the veterans of the 
Mexican war throughout the country, now organized or hereafter to be enrolled in associations, 
to send two or more delegates, in person or by proxy, to a national convention to be held in. 
Washington City on January 1,5. 1874, to prepare a joint memorial to Congress for a pension to 
the survivors of the Mexican war, at the same rate allowed by the act of February 14, 1871, 
granting pensions to the soldiers and sailors of the war of 1812; also, to adopt measures loolnng 
to a National Brotherhood of the survivors, and a general assemblage on the occasion of the 
centennial anniversary of the nation's birthday, at Philadelphia, July 4, 1876. 

Tfie Secretary was instructed to communicate the plan to the then existing 
organizations, and take all proper measures to spread the information abroad* 
Tlirough the liberality of the public press, the merits of the proposition were dis- 
cussed far and wide, and almost immediately organizations began to spring into 
existence under the call. 

On the 15th of January, 1874, the first National Convention assembled at WiL 
lard's Hall, in this city, and continued in session three days. Its proceedings 
w^-re published in pamphlet form during last sutl^me^, and distributed throughout 



4 BRIEF HISTORY OF THE ORGANIZATION. 

the country, containing a list of the Delegates ; an oration by Hon J. S. Negley, 
of Pennsylvania; a poem, by Gen. Albert Pike, of Arkansas; the memorial of 
the Delegates to Congress for a pension to the survivors, and a bill for the proposed 
law ; the Constitution and By-I^aws of the National Association ; the names of the 
officers elected, together with a circular issued from Headquarters, calling upon 
sui-vivors to enroll in the National Register their names, post-office addi-ess, age 
and nativity, service in Mexico, names of company and regimental commanders, 
where and when enlisted and discharged, and whether they had received a land 
warrant (to indicate an honorable discharge.) 

A similar form of enrollment is attached to this book, to which the attention of 
those who have not complied is respectfully invited. 

The report (herein) of the First Secretary will show the result of the canvass. 



Those who desire a copy of the first proceedings can have the same mailed 
to their address by enclosing a twenty-five cent stamp to the Secretary, Lock Box 
37, Washington, D. C, who has a limited number remaining on hand. 



;^Jjfjiitciis 0f[ the ^"aliand |tss0^mti0tt* 



President J. W. DENVER, Washington, D. C. 

First Vice President . John Love, Indianapolis, Ind. 

Secretari/ A. M. Kenaday, liOck Box 37, Washington, D, C. 

Marshal Edwin R. Biles, Pliiladelphia, Pa. 

Financial Committee . S. P. IIetntzleman, (:Maj. Gen. U. S. A.,) S. V. 
Niles, Troasnrer, Washington, D. C, M. D. Montis, Washington, D. C- 



U. S. Army.— Chaa. Thomas, Bvt. Maj. Ccenl. U. 
S. A., V. P., Washingtou; Benj. Alvord, Pay- 
master Genl. U. S. A., C. of A., WaHhiueton, 
D. C. 

U. S. Navy.— W.M.Wood, Swg. Geul,, (retired,) 
V. P., Owings' Mills. Md.; Fabiua Stanley, 
Rear Admiral U. S. Navy, C. of A., WaHhing- 
t<m D. C. 

Alauama,— JohnR. Coffey, V. P., Fackler; A.J. 
Huggius, C. of A., ScottHborough. 

Arkansas.— J. P. Fagan.V. P., Little Rock; 
Edward J. Brooks, C. of A., Fort Smith. 

California.— Richard P. Hammond, V. P., San 
Francisco ; S. O. Houghton, C. of A., San 
Jose. 

Colorado.— S. N. Hoyt, V. P., Washington, D. 
C; S. M. Logan, C. of A., Denver. 

CONNKCTICUT. — Levi Woodhoiise, V. P., Hart- 
ford; Justin Hodges, C. of A., Riverside. 

DisT. Columbia.— J. W. Denver, V. P., Washing- 
ton ; Albert Pike, C. of A., Washington. 

GkORGIA.— George S. Fisher, V. P., Augusta; 
David S. Johnston, C. of A., Madison. 

Illinois.— W. A. Richardson, V. P., Quincy ; S. 
W. Smith, C. of A., Monmouth. 

Indiana.— Henry S. Lane, V. P., Crawfordsville ; 
Mahlon D. Mauson, C. of A., Crawfordsville. 

Iowa.— I. W. GritBth, V. P., Des Moines; Josiah 
Given, C. of A., Dt-s Moines. 

Kansas. — E. N. O. Clough, V. P., Leavenworth; 
J. 11. McChire, C. of A., Junction City. 

KkntuiKY.— W. T.Ward, V. P., Louisville ; T. 
W. Campbell, C. of A., Bowling Green. 

Louisiana.- G. Mason Graham, V. P., Alexan- 
dria; P. O. Ilebert, C. of A., New Orleans. 

Maryland —Joseph II. Ruddoch. V. P., Balti- 
more ; John T Gray, C. of A., Baltimore. 

Massachusktts.- Isaac H. Wright, V. P., Bos- 
ton ; Stephen Hoyt, «'. of A., Salem. 
MicHlo AN.— Thomas B. W. Stockton, V. P., Flint; 

Wm. P. Wilkius, C. of A., Detroit. 
MINNESOTA.— W. A. Gormau, V. P., St. Paul; 

Francis Peteler. C. of A., Minneapolis. 
Mississippi.— Beverly Matthews, V. P., Colum- 
bua; Claiborne Farrish, 0. of A., Woodville. 



Missouri.— L. C. Easton, V. P.; St. Louis; Jonaa 

Cl«rk, 0. of A., CJhilicothe. 
Nevada.— W. W. McCoy, V. P., Eureka; W- 

Frank Stewart, C. of A., Virginia City. 
NEW Hampshire.— T. P. Pierce, V. P., Nashua' 

George Bowers, C. of A., do. 
New Jersey.— Chas. Bowers, V. P., Newark ; 

James E. Nuttman, C. of A., do. 
New York.— W. Linn Tidball, V. P., New York ; 

Wm, CoUigan, C. of A., do. 
North Carolina —O. R. Smith, V. P., Raleigh ; 

E. Cantwell, C. of A,, Wilmington. 
Ohio —George W. Morgan, V. P. , Mount Ver- 
non ; C. N. Allen, C. of A., Steubenville. 
Oregon.~E. Hamilton, V. P., Portland ; John 

W. Eagan, C. of A., do. 
Pennsylvania.— Robert Klotz, V. P., MaucU 

Chunk; C. F. Sargent, C. of A., Philadelphia. 
Rhode Island.— A. E. Burnside, V. P., The Capi- 
tal ; Nelson Viall, C of A., Providence. 
South Carolina.— R. G. M. Dunovant, V. P., 

Edgefield ; W. B. Stanley, C. of A., Columbia. 
Tennessee.— Gideon J. Pillow, v. P., Memphis; 

Leon Truesdale, C of A., Nashville. 
Texas.— S. B. Maxey, V. P., The Capital ; G. H. 

Giildings, C. of A., Brenham. 
VIRGINIA.— Robert G. Scott, V. P., Richmond; 

B. D. Harmon, C. of A., Staunton. 
Washington Ter.— James Tilton, V. P., Seattle ; 

Granville O. Haller, C. of A.. Conpeville. 
WEST Virginia.— G. A. Porterfield,V. P., Charles 

town ; N- N. Hoffman, C. of A., Morgantowu. 
Wisconsin.— A. A. Meredith, V. P., Madison; 

C. R. Johnson, C, of A., Black River Falls. 

Secretaries. 
A. M. Keuaday, Washington, D. C. 

assistants. 
lat. W. L. Schloy, Baltimore, Md. 
2d. J. F. Huber, Louisville, Ky. 
3d. H. A. McOlenen, Boston, Mass. 

4th. W. T. Hall, , Mo. 

Treasurer. 
8. V. Niles, Washingt.m, D. C. 

JHfarstial. 
E. R. Biles, Philadelphia, Pa. 



gist of SeUgates l^g ^tatts, Mc, 

FOR 



Ai.ABAMA. ► 1874— A. J. Hue:2rins and J. J. Martin. 

1875— J. J. Martin. 

Arkansas 1874— Albert Pike and Willard Ayres. 

1876— James F. Fagan, Edward J. Brooks, John D. Adams and Albert. Pike. 

Gaxifornia 1874— J. E. Nuttman, S. O. Houghton, A.M. Kenaday, J. C. Hays, Thomas J 

Knipe, J. D. Stevenson, Gr. W. Bowie, Brant Segulne, Joseph P. Dan' 
iels, Ricbard P Hammond, William Piper, William Blanding, A. J- 
Shrader, D. Scannell and H. E. Van Questifield. 
1875— S. O. Houghton, A. A. Greene, J. E. Nuttman, A. M. Kenaday. 

Colorado 1874— S. N. Hoyt and S. M. Logan 

1875 — Same delegation. 
Connecticut . .1874 — Justin Hodges, Levi Woodhouse and D. N. Couch. 
1875— Nelson Yiall. 

Georgia 187'1— David S. Johnston^ E. L. Thomas, H. J. Sargent, George S. Fisher and 

O. W. Styles. 
1875 — A. M. Kenaday, (proxy for D. S. Johnston,) General W. S. Walker and 
Dr. S. P. Hunt. 

Illinois 1874— M.L. Paine and L. Guinnip. 

1875— C. H. Kettler, S. W. Smith. J. G. Fonda and A. M. Kenaday, (proxy.) 
Indiana-^ .^..1874— John Osborn, Thos. Morton, F. K. Tykle, H. S. Lane, M. D. Manson and 
W. W. Bradley. 
1S7&— John Love, Henry S. Lane, M. D Manson, J. W. Mickels ; and the fol- 
lowing wbo failed to arrive : General McNaught, J. A. Cravens, John 
Osborne, Thomas Bringhurst, B. F. Spooner, Hiram Reemer, John M 
Lord, Ira Williamson, Judge Carlton, David A. McClure, W. W. Too- 
lev, B. F. Scribner, Scott Carter, M. Fitzgibbon, N. Berry, S. Wallace, 
DeWitt C. Thomas and Thomas Spicely. 

lO-WA. ,^ 1874—1. W. Griffith, M. M, Trumbull, Michael Donohue, B. W. Wilson, W. L. 

Church and S. R. Edgington. 

Kansas 1874— E. N. O. Clough. 

1875— Robt. B Mitchell, S. W. JohnS(m, (proxy for E. N. O. Clough,) J. R. Mc- 
Clure. 

Kentucky 1874— W. T. Ward, E C. Beriy, J. P. Williams, J. J. Halsey, W. W. Bradley, J. 

F. Huber, C. D. Pennebaker. 
1875 — T. W. Campbell and C. D. Pennebaker. 

Louisiana 1874— P. O. Hebert, J. R. We.st, U. S. S., G. Mason Graham. Harry T. Hays, J. 

B. Walton, George Baldy, J. B. Vandergritf, A. G. Blancliard and S. 
D. Allis. 
1875— P. O. Hebert, J. C. Downer and Joseph MoUere. 

Maine 1875— Wm. R. Hawkins. 

Maryland. ....1874— J. H. Ruddach, W. L. Schley, Oden Bowie, John T. Gray, John R. Onion, 
Lewis F. Beeler, T. J. Goodrich, Cornelius Brown, William Harcourt, 
William Howard and H. Webster. 
1875— J. H, Ruddach, W. L. Schley, Oden Bowie, Simon Arabach, J. G. Fury, 
W, U. Fury, John T. Grav, W. B. Howard, W. G. Lee, Wm. B. How« 
ard, David G. Murray, H.'Webster, John R. Onion, S. M. Morse, L. F. 
Beeler, Cornelius Brown, Thomas J. Goodrich, W. Harcourt and S. 
B. Doyle. 
MAS8ACHUSETTS1874— William Hurd, H. A. McGlenen and Isaac H. Wright. 
1875— H. A. McGlenen, (N. P. Viall, proxy,) and E. A. Paul, 

Michigan 1874— A M. Kenaday, (J. P. Howlett, proxy,) J. N. A. L. Simonds, Charles P 

Kimball and E. R. Merrifield. 
1875- Alpheus S. Williams, Ho. of Reps., Henry Waldron, do., and W. R. Wilkins. 

Minnesota 1874— W. A. Gorman, Francis Peteler, C. DeMontreville and A. R. French. 

187.5— A. R. French. 

Mississippi 1874— Douglas H. Cooper, John S. Hope, Beverly Matthews and N. S. Reneau, 

1S75— D. H. Cooper and John E. Hope. 

Missouri 1S74— Jonas J. Clark, J. W. Denver, James Shields and A. W. Doniphan. 

187,5 — blames Craig, John W. Polk and W. W. Ivoy. 
Nevada. 1874— J. F. Ray, W. W. McCoy, W. Frank Stewart and Chas. Getzler, (dec'd.) 



LIST OF DELEGATES BY STATES, &C. 7 

N. Hampshire.. 1874 — George Bowers and T. P. Pierce. 

Niw Jkrsjey. . .1874 — J. E. Nuttmaii and Cliarles F. Bowers. 
1875 — J. E. Nuttnian. 

New York 1874— Wm. Linn Tidbali, E. P. Noah, Francis E. Pinto, Addison Farnsworth, 

Francis D. Clark, Thomas \V. Sweeny, U. S. A., Charles K. Graham, 
HeurvRoscoe, VVni. Wade, Wm. Colligan, F. VV. Seagrist, Charles N. 
Dennian, A. \V. Adams, H. G. Gibson, U. S. A., J. H. H. Ward, J. G. 
Harriot and S. C llowan. 
1875— "Wm. L-inn Tidbali, William Colligan, A. W. Adams, W. J. Gary, James 
S. Dawson. The toUowing were appointed but did not arrive : Gen.T. 
W. Sweeny and Gen. H. Gates Gibson, lU. S. A,, Rear Admiral Henry 
Walker, U. S.N.,J. H. H. Ward, C. K. Graham, Francis E. Pinto, Ad- 
dison Farnsworth, AVm. W. Tompkins, James M. Turner, G. W. Leon- 
ard, J. C Marrioi, Henry Roscoe, Wm. Wade, Jeremiah Sherwood, F. 
W. Seagrist, Francis D. Clark, C. Edward Pillet. 

Nor. Carolina. 1874 — Edward Cantv/ell, O.R.Smith, John A. Fagg, S. S. Pyutt 

Ohio 1S74— Dr. J. M. Todd, Wm. B. Howard (proxy for Hon. W. I. Southard.) 

187;') — J. W. Denver. 
Oregon 1874— James Tilton, Granville O. Haller, R. H. Milroy, H. R. Crosby, S. P. Moses. 

187r)— James Tilton, Washington, D. C. 

Pennsylvania. 1S74— Gen. George Cadwalader, President; E. R. Biles, Chauncey F. Sargent, 
George Moore, J. J. Os\ andal, Wm. J. Mackey, Robert Klotz, of Scott 
Legion, Philadelphia; Abijah Ferguson, Wm. Kennedy, C. B. Mowry, 
John W. Hague, Ed. O'Brien, Maurice Wallace, W. H. Barker, Alex 
Hay, James T. Sample, G. W. Gibos, W. H. Hope, of Pittsburgh, Scott 
Legion ; Robert Klotz, George A. H. Blake, U. S A., Alex. Montgomery, 
U. S. A., John Solomon, R. McDonald, F. B. Kaercher, Z. E. Barnes, 
Richard J Crozier, John A. Blair, VVm. Williams, John M. Clark, j! 
T. Sample, J. Q,. A. Young, James H.Rose, James Shaw, Jolin Kil- 
patrick, R. McMichael, Louis H. Wander, John Priestly. 
187.5— E. R. Biles, C F. Sargent, A. H. Reynolds, Robert Klotz, Tliomas R. Crel- 
lin, .John E. Arthur, John Kilpatrick, John A. Cummings. The fol- 
lowing delegates appointed from Reading failed to arrive : Richard 
McMichael, Levi P. Knerr, Lewis H. Wunder, John Priestly. 

Rhode Island .1875 — Nelson Yiall. 

Sou. Carolina. 1S74—K. J. Billings, T. J. Mackey, VVm. B. Stanley, James D. Blanding, R. G. 
M. Dunnovant, J. B. Kershaw, C. VV. Styles, Samuel McGowan, Elias 
Earlc, C. S. Kirkland, J. H. Williams. 
1875 — T. J. Mackey, Henry C. Hack. The following additional delegates ap- 
pointeri by the Palmetto Association, failed to arrive: R. G. M. Duno- 
vant, Samuel McGowan, G. W. Curtis, E. M. Gilbert, A. M. Manigault, 
Sebastian Sumter, J. B. Kershaw, M. L. Bonham, VVm. B. Stanley. 

Tennessee 1874— R. J. Hays, W. J .Smith, General N. S. Reneau, George McPherson, Gideon 

J. Pillow, Joseph Cooper. 
lS7i>— W. J. Smith. 

Texas 1874— Andrew J. Dorn, S. B. Maxey. Albert Pike, Elias M. Greene. 

lS7a— G.H. Giddings, Elias M. Greene. 

YiKGiNiA 1874— Robert G. Scott. Patrick Hart, Robert Reid, M W. Strother, J. B. Laurens, 

John Poe, Wm.B. Taliaferro, R. W. Brown. B. D. Harman, Thomas 
B. Tombs, John Boucher, J. H. Whittlesey, M. D. Corse, F. H. Archer, 
James C. Taylor, L. M. Shumaker, J. Richard Llewellyn, John H. 
Cooke, Robert Pegram, P. A. Peterson, A. P. Bennet, P. D. Sutton, B. 

F. Winglield, C. H. Farrell, W. H. Pleasants, C. G. Morrill, J. B. Hogs- 
den, R. W. Brown, S. C. Curry, L. C. Leonard, C. R. Jones, Samuel 
Crawford, A. R. Shands, M. M. Anderson. 

1876— B. D. Harman, P. Hart, Robert Reid, L. M. Shumaker, Thomas P. Mor- 
riss, Richard O'Dowd, M. D. Corse, Robert Dyer. The delegation of 
187;") were renominated by the President of theState Association, Rob't 

G. Scott, but failed to arrive with the exception.^ above. Also the fol- 
lowing appointed by the Norfolk Association : J. F. Milligan, S. P. 
Quackenbush, V. S. N., George VV. Jennings. John D. Simms, B. F. 
Peddle, John Fullerton. 

West Virginia. 1874— G. A. Porterfidd, John Avis, N. N. Hoffman, J. C. Eriggs. 
1875— N. N. Holl'man, M L. Dorn, Andrew R. Potts. 

Wisconsin 1874— A. A. Meredith, C. R. Johnson, Otis Hoyt. 

Wash. Ter 1874— Granville O. Haller. 

187;") — James Tilton. 
U. S. Army 1874— General VV. T. Sherman, Major General Irvin McDowell, General Benja- 
min Alvord, General Thomas G. Pitcher, General Charles Thomas, 
Colonel Alex. Montgomery, Major T. J. Eckerson. 
1875 — Maj. Gen. Samuel P. Heintzelman. Major Genei-al Charles Thomas, Brig. 
Gen. Thonuis G. Pitcher, Brig. Gen. Benjamin Alvord, Col. Alexander 
Montgomery, Captain S. G. Greene. 

U.S. Navy" 1874— Surgeon G'^noral Wm. W. Wood, (retired.) Major A. J. Dallas, U. S. A., 

(Passed Midshipman, 1847,) J. W. Davis, (seaman.) 



LIST OF DELEGATES BY STATES, &C. 

U. S. Navy 1875— Rear Admiral Fabius Stanley, Major A, J. Dallas, U. S- A., J. W. Davis, 

\ (Rear Admiral Henry Wallce, appointed from New York; and Capt. 

S. P. Q,uackenbush,'with ex-Midshipman James F. MiUigan, from 
Norfolk, failed to arrive.) 
DiST. OF Col... 187 5— The Associated Veterans of 1846, of Washington, D. C, were, by resolu- 
tion of that body, made delegates to the Convention, as follows: 
■^ President, J. W. Denver ; Vice Presidents, Foliet T. Lalley, Robert B. 
Mitchell ; Recording and Corresponding Secretary, Alexander M. Ken- 
aday ; Treasurer, Simpson P. Moses; Marshal, A. R. French; Trus- 
tees. J, J. Martin, Albert Pike, S. N. Hoyt. Comrades : Alonzo W. 
Adams, William Alexander, Benjamin Alvord, Peter H. Allabach, 
William Anderson, Edward Atkins, Willard Ayers, S. S. G. Barbour, 
Z. E. Barnes, Charles Becker, Constantine A. Blanchard, Michael B. 
Bowles, John Brannan, John G. Brayman, James Bremner, Thomas 
Bridges, Edward Byrne, Edward C. CWrington, John Carter, .Joshua 
Clark, Samuel Clark, Theodore Clifton, Douglas H.Cooper, Joseph B. 
Collins, Thomas Croggin, Henry R. Crosby, Howard M Cole, A. J. 
Dallas, J. W. Davis, Isaiah Dean, Wm. H. Degges, Addison Dent, J. 
A. Doyle, Dominic Dully, Thomas Dwyer, J. C Downer, T. J. Ecker- 
son, .Tames Ellis, Patrick H. English, Hamilton G. Fant, Charles W. 
Gordon, Patrick Gormley, Samuel M. Gouverneur, Theodore Gregg, 
Albert Gruber, R. J. Hays, H. B. Hensley, N. N. Hoffman, Sherman 
O. Houghton, Stephen Hoyt, A. J. Hurdle, S. P. Heiutzelman, Henry 
Ingle, David Jackson, S. W. Johnson, Thomas Joluison. Edward .To- 
hannes, Charles Kloman, .T. C. Kretschmar, Fred. A, Klopfer, .Joshua 
Lloyd, John H. Locke, Christopher Long, John T. Lynch, Edwai-d 
Lander, Joseph M. McCauley, .Irtmes McDonough, ivvin McDowell, 
George W. McLane, George McPherson, Robert F. Martin, Hugh Mas- 
terson, Scjuire G. Merrill, J. B. Merritt, Joseph Mollere, Mahlon D. 
Montis, Alexander Montgomery, Samuel Montgomery, John Myers, 
Thomas P. Morriss, Samuel V. Niles, Maurice O'Connor, Richard 
O'Dowd, Edward A. Paul, Thomas G. Pitcher, Samuel A. Pitts, 
Charles J). Pennebaker, G-eorge A. Porterfield, Bennett M. Reese, 
.John Roach, N. H. Robbins. Benjamin S. Roberts, George Roberts, 
Henry B. Robertson, Andrew Russell, H. J. Sargent, William Tecnm- 
seh Shei-man, H. H. Sibley, Daniel Smith, Theodore Sniffen, Stark B. 
Taj^lor, John H. Tliompson, John Thompson, John M. Thornton, 
Benjamin R. West, George F. White, H. A. White, Marcellus Wilson, 
John Wood— 122» 



PROCEEDINGS 



InT ^TXOIsr^I^ J^SSOOI^TIOIsr 



Veterans of the yVlEXicAN WAf\. 



FIRST DAY-MONDAY. 

Washington, D. C, February 22, 1875. 

At 12 o'clock, meridian, all the officers present of the National Association, 
elected at the nKn-ting of January 17, 1874, and the various delegations from 
abroad, convened at the 0|)era House, (popularly known as Willard's Hall,) which 
had been tastefully decorated by Col. P. H. ALlabach, chairman of the Hall Com- 
mittee, with retired regimental colors and battle tlags, belonging to the War De- 
partment, whicli had been kindly loaned by its officers for the occasion. Some of 
these sacred relics were in a good state of preservation, while others bore evidence 
of rough usage in the deadly contlicts through which they had passed, upheld bj 
brave hands. Tliey athnirably typitied the assemblage of veterans who had, afte^ 
a lapse of many years, again assembled beneath theii* folds, to deliberate on meas 
iires for the welfare of their old comrades. 

Some delay necessarily occurred in enrolling the names of delegates, the major 
ity of whom arrived in tlie city by the morning trains, but at 12:30 General J. W. 
Denver, First V^ice President, called the meeting to order, and announced that 
General George Cadwalader, the President of the National Association, had not 
yet arrived. 

By invitation, the Rev. H. A. Cleveland, pastor of the Foundry Methodist 
Episcopal Church, opened the proceedings by invoking a blessing from the 
Supreme Being on tlie objects of the meeting. 

Vice President Denver then warmly welcomed tlie delegates to the city, and 
expressed his gratitication at seeing so many of those who had participated in the 
Convention a year ago again i)resent, proving their interest and earnestness in a 
cause which was based on patriotism and philanthrop3% and said he believed that 
their work, if guided by intelligence and supported by harmonious action, must 
lead to good results in the near future. 

He thVn direete<l the First Secivtary. Mr. A. M. Kenaday, to call the roll of 
(tfficers of the Association, and invited such of them as were present to seats on 
the stage. Nineteen of the officers responded when their names were called. 

Maj. W. J. Gary, of New York, asked for the appointment of a Committee on 
Credentials. 

The Chair suggested, as an econou^y of time, that each delegate present enroll 
his name with the Secretary, to be by him compared with authorizations on tile, 
forwarded by the ditferent organizations. Carried. 

Maj. W. j'. Gary, of New York, moved the appointment of a committee of one 
from each State aud Tei-ritory and the army and navy, to nominate committees 
and officers. Not agreed to. 

Col. W. Louis Schley, of Maryland, moved that the Association proceed to 
the election of officers fur the ensuing year. Not agreed to. 

Maj. W. J. Gary, New York, moved to adjourn. Not agreed to. 



10 ^PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION 

Gen. John Love, of Indiana, moved that when we adjourn to-day, it be till 
Tuesday, at 11 o'clock a. m., when the address of the orator selected by the last 
Convention would be heai"d, the necessary officers appointed, and the Association 
proceed to the Executive Mansion in a body to pay their respects to the President 
of the United States. Adopted. 

The Chair appointed Col. W. Louis Schley, of Md., Hon. J. J. Martin, Ala., 
and Gen. M. D. Manson, Ind., a committee to wait upon the President of the 
United States, to ascertain at what time he would be pleased to receive the Asso- 
ciation. 

Maj. W. J. Gary, IST. Y., again revived his motion to appoint a committee to 
nominate officers. 

Gen. E. R. Blles, Penn., reminded the mover that the assemblage was not an 
imorganized convention, but the first meeting of the National Association since 
the present officers were elected. He called for the reading of the minutes. 

The reading of the minutes, on a subsequent motion, was dispensed with, and 
pamphlets containing the proceedings were distributed to the members. 

Col. Robert Klotz, Vice President, of Pennsylvania, arose and said : Com- 
rades. — I have heard suggestions from the delegates from New York and Mary- 
land, and others, but their motions appear to my mind to have either a political 
aspect or a tendency to Buncombe. If I understand the object for which we have 
assembled here, it is to press our claim before the Congi-essional committees and 
the Pension Bm-eau, for a pension to our old, infirm, poor and needy veterans. 
We have patiently waited for over a quarter of a century for the gratitude of a 
Republic which gained so much by the prowess of our little army in that memo- 
rable conflict, in the way of national reputation, that foreign governments ap- 
plauded our successes — leaving out of the question the vast domain acquired, that 
"has saved us financially ever sino>e. And yet our old comrades, who were instru- 
mental in bringing about these great results, are apparently forgotten in the 
general distribution of favors by the Government. I am the last man to ciy out 
m opposition to the pensioned soldiers of the late war ; but while they have been 
well taken care of in past years— have lately been voted very large appropriations, 
nundreds of millions of dollars— yet we are here begging Congress to do us simple 
justice, and the only excuse they make is that ''there are too many of us !" One 
Senator, in high standing, says 'Sve received a land warrant,'* (worth from $80 to 
$120,) ''and that is enough !" I see some connades here, like myself, who have 
been three or foui or even more days from home, and who are anxious to get to 
business, and who don't care for sliow or notoriety, but wish to accomplish tlie 
tiling we were called together for. I see here Gov. Hebert, of New Orleans, 
Generals Lane and Love, from Indiana, Judge Mackcy, of South Carolina, Colonel 
Tidball, of New York, Gen. Heintzelman, Gen. Pitcher, Major Dallas, and Major 
Montgomery, of the regular army, and many other eminent gentlemen, whom I 
would like to hear from on this subject. [Applause.) 

Hon. T. J. Mackey, C. of A., South Carolina, was next called on. After re- 
turning thanks for the courtesy of calling on him to address the meeting, he referred 
to the "services of the Palmetto regiment in the Mexican war, and said the sur- 
vivors numbered only 47 out of 1,150 men, who left South Carolina for the war. 
He spoke of the pleasant relations existing between ex-Union and ex-Confederate 
soldiers in his State, and related an incident which occurred in South Carolina 
last spring, soon after the adjournment of our first Convention, where a number of 
ex-Confederates disinterred the remains of several Union soldiers, who had, dur- 
ing the war, been hastily buiied by the roadside and forgotten, reverentially 
escorting them to a military post cemetery, where they now repose with their 
comrades, and are carefully tended by appointed agents of the Government. This 
act of generous magnanimity had elicited the warmest encomiums, not only from 
the relatives of the deceased Union soldiers, but from many public men and offi- 
cials in the North who had heard of the incident. He referred to this fact with 
pride, and thought it would be the means of procuring a unity of sentiment among 
the American people, and make them dear to one another. The meetings of the 
National Association of Mexican Veterans would contribute to this coveted end. 
He was the only one present from his State out of six delegates elected to the Con- 
vention ; he was authorized to act fully for them, and closed by saying he would 
do all in his power for the promotion of the object aimed at. 



OF VETERANS OF THE MEXICAN WAR. ll 

At the conclusion of these addresses abetter state of feeling was apparent. 

Maj. W. J. Gary withdi-ew his motions in regard to appointment of commit- 
tees, &c. 

A dispatch from Col. D. S. Johnston, President Greorgia State Association, send- 
ing greetings was read. Also, letters from H. A. McGlenen, Boston ; Gren. G. 
Mason Graham, Alexandria, La.; Capt. James Spore, St. Louis, Mo.; Maj. F. D. 
Clark, New York ; E. W. Shands, Austin, Texas; S. W. Smith, Monmouth, 111.; 
Maj.C. H. Kettler, Belleville, Illinois ; Hon. C. K. Johnson, Black River FaUs, 
Wis.; J. Benj. Chandler, New Orleans; Col. J. T. Curtis, Troy, Ohio ; John H. 
Eagan, Forthuid, Oregon ; Capt. Robert G. Scott, Richmond. Va.; J. F. Milligan, 
Norfolk, Va.; Hon. Levi Woodhouse, Hartford, Conn.; Hon. T. W. Freelon, 
Santa Barbara, Cal.; Dr. C. De Montreville, St. Paul, Minn.; E. N. O. Clough, 
Leavenworth, Kansas; J. W. Van Guestitield, San Francisco, Cala.; Col. G. A. 
Portertield, Charlestown, W. Va., and others, all active friends of the cause. 

Col. Robert Klotz moved tliat a committee be appointed to audit the accounts 
of tlie Secretary and Treasurer, and to make a report to the Association. Adop- 
ted ; and Col. Klotz, Major A. J. Dallas, U. S. A., and M. D. :Montis, Esq., of 
Third Auditor's office, were appointed said committee. 

The connnittee appointed to wait upon the President of the United States now 
reported that his Ex<cellency would receive the members of the Association in the 
East Room of the Executive Mansion, to-morrow, at 11 o'clock a. m. 

Gov. P. O. Hebert (who commanded the 14th Infantry in Mexico, and was dis- 
tinguished for gallantry at MoVno del Rey and Chepultepec) was called up, and 
responded briefly to the compliment. 

report of transactions at headquarters op the association. 

Gen. J. W. Denver, First Vice President, submitted a report of the work per- 
formed at the Headquarters of the Association, at Washington, substantially as 
follows : 

The memorial and bill adopted by the Convention of the 15th January, 1874, 
were engrossed in duplicate, and presented (in the Senate by Hon. John A. 
Logan, of Illinois, and in the House by Hon. J. S, Negley, of Pennsylvania) 
witriin a few days after the adjournment of the Convention. The matter was 
referred to the pension committees of the respective Houses. The House commit- 
tee soon afterwards called upon the Commissioner of Pensions for information as 
to the number of sur\ivors. The Commissioner fixed the number at about 
39,000. The effect of this extravagant report from a Government officer produced 
a marked change in the enthusiasm of our friends in Congress, and was e\idently 
designed and calculated to discourage further efforts at organization. The First 
Secretary, however, prepared a circular to meet the emergencj^ and sent it broad- 
cast over the country, with a ^dew to obtain facts to controvert the Commission- 
er's estimate. The success attending this action will be shown in the Secretary's 
report. 

The Washington Association appointed a committee this winter to urge action 
by the Connnittee on Invalid Pensions, at an early period of the session. They 
waited on Gen. Rusk, chairman of the House committee, who promised a hearing 
on the 12th of January, of any statistics or arguments in favor of the bill. In or- 
der to make up a case, the Secretary of the National Association was called on by 
me for a report, which was printed and submitted to the Pension Committee, to- 
gether with oral arguments by various members, at the time indicated. The 
following is 

secretary kenaday's report. 

Wasiiinoton, D. C, January 9, 1875. 
Cfen. J. W. Denver, First Vice President National Association Veterans of the Mexican War : 
General : In regard to your request to be furnished such information as I have collected 
during the year, having reference to the petition of the National Convention held in this city 
last January, asking from the people's rejiresentatives in Congress a pension to the survivors 
of the army and navy who served in the war with Mexico, I have the honor to report that, soon 
after the adjournment of the Convention, when all interestt'd felt assured that Congress would 
promptly comply with the just request of the large body of distinguished oCacers and soldiers 
who had journeyed hither at great personal expense, from all sections of the nation in order to 
give a united expression to the prayer in behalf of their old companions in arms, there sud* 



12 PROCEEDINas OF THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION 

dently and unexpectedly appeared in the local press the announcement that the Commissioner 
of Pensions had submitted an estimate to the Committee of Invalid Pensions, to whom, under 
the rules, our petition had been referred by the House of Representatives, stating' the probable 
number of survivors, out of 73,260 volunteers, at some 39,(M)(I, accompanied by a fearful array of 
figures, purporting- to show the aggregate expenditure in dollars and cents during the next 
twenty years under the proposed law, that were calculated, and apparently intended to deter 
the most generous of our friends in Congress from advocating the measure durmg the retrench- 
ment mania which prevailed at the last session. 

While many of the old gentlemen who had indulged the hope of a successful result to their 
Washington pilgrimage, returned to their distant homes sadly disappointed and discouraged — 
those who had been selected by the Convention to remain here and look after the interests of 
their comrades immediately commenced operations of a practical character, with a view to 
counteract the sophistical estimate prepared by the Pension Commissioner's arithmeticians. 
The problem had evidently been worked oat by some Civil Service expert, who assumwd that 
the mortality tables used by Life Insurance companies in calculating the "Expectation of Life," 
and similar processes adopted sometimes by census bureaus to ascertain the probable decrease 
of vast populations by purely natural causes, were applicable to the case in ])oint. These 
methods of computation may be very safe in making up estimates for appropriations, but it will 
hardly be contended that they constitute an "exact science." For every practical man familiar 
with the history of oar country knows that the ordinary casualties and desertions during the 
war with Mexico largely reduced the number who would be eligible to a pension, while the al- 
most universal prevalence of chronic diseases, contracted by unacclimated and imprudent 
young men in the unhealthy tropics, sadly thinned the ranks of those who escaped the dangers 
of the battle-fields of Mexico. 

In addition to the potent influences working their decimation above indicated, the facts are 
well known that vast numbers sought, after their return from Mexico, new excitement in every 
field of adventure that presented itself. Very many of our old comrades fell victims to the 
chivalric and roving dispositions begotten of their military service, in the warlike affairs 
occurring in Yucatan, Cuba, Lower California, Sonoro, and Nicaragua. 

The gold and silver discoveries in the far w^estern possessions of the country — acquired by 
their valor from the Mexican Republic— also attracted many of the survivors to the Pacific 
Slope, where thej' served as pioneers of the civilization now developing that golden empire ; 
and who in their progress thither blazed the timber of these unexplored regions, to mark the 
paths which have since become easy highways to the present generation . 

Lastly, the terrible quarrel in onr national family, now happily ended, which called into ac- 
tive service the old and the young, found nearly all the survivors of Mexico, who could report 
for duty, at the front, on one side or the other, where their military experience and training 
soon made them eminent as officers or terminated their earthly career. Maiiy of those who car- 
ried muskets in the Mexican war were found worthy to command brigades and divisions in the 
late struggle, while several of our young lieutenants of that period, profiting by their experience 
in Mexico, have been exalted to the highest pinnacles of military renown. 

(And it is proper to note, in this connection, to the honor of those distinguished officers, that 
they are, almost to a man, in hearty sympathy — and many of them in active co-operation — with 
this movement in behalf of their old followers and comrades, still struggling with adversity, 
who are left in their old age without even tJie privilege of asylum in the Soldiers' Home, which 
noble institution, by the way, was established mainly by money collected from a conquered peo- 
ple, as tribute to the valor of the army in Mexico, and its fund has since swollen to gigantic 
proportions under the fostering care of the Commissioners of the Home. With the pension pro- 
posed, all who served in Mexico will be entitled to admission, by turning in their pensions to the 
Home fund. As the case now stands, only those who served continuously for twenty years, or 
who were disabled in the line of duty, are eligible to admission.)* 

But returning to our Pension Commissioner's estimate. The convention of last January, 
before adjournment, organized a national association, as suggested in the call, with a vice pres- 
ident and a council of administration in each of the States and Territories. To these, and to 
every known subordinate body, a circular letter was addressed from the headquarters in this 
city explanatory of the obstacles raised up by the Pension Bureau, andui'ging energetic action 
on the part of all who felt an interest in the subject, with a view to making a thorough canvass 
of every State and Territory in the Union, through the instrumentality of State, County, and 
towii organizations. There were printed for distribution here 17,000 of these circulars, and 
4,000 copies of a pamphlet containing an account of the convention pi'oceedings. In Kentucky, 
Indiana, and Texas, large editions of the circular were reprinted and circulated. Earnest ap- 
peal was made to the press throughout the Union to give the subject the widest circulation, 
which was most generously responded to. With the aid of a copy of Rowell & Co.'s Newspa- 
per Directory, the undersigned was enabled to direct these circulars to every county newspaper 
in the new Territories, and also to the principal papers in each county of the several States 
which sent any considerable number of troops to Mexico. Many of the circulars have been re- 
turned to me with the information called for in the blanks, from the remotest quarters of the 
country. State conventions have been held since this movement begun in Texas, Indiana, Illi- 
nois, Missouri, Ohio, Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, Virginia, Kentucky, and 
elsewhere, at which concerted action was taken to obtain the address of every known comrade. 
I feel safe in asserting that the subject has been discussed in every city, town, village, or ham- 
let in the Union, where a surviving veteran of Mexico resides. 

The number thus far obtained by these means indicates very clearly that the methods of 



*[NoTE.— Senate Executive Document No. 34, Forty-first Congress, Second Session, gives 
the history of the founding of the "Soldiers' Home," and the Report of the Commissioners there- 
in shows that $182,047.78, which properly belonged to the soldiers serving in Mexico, was the 
basis of this princely estate, now controlled exclusively by the Adjutant General, the Surgeon 
General, and the Commissary General of the Army. The sum above named, with compound 
interest to date, would equitably entitle the surviving soldiers of Mexico, regular and volunteer, 
to admission to its hospitable walls for the balance of their existence on earth.] 



OF VETERANS OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 13 

calculating thp .survivors of the Mexican war adopted by the statisticians of the Pension bu- 
reau arp totally inapplicable. I will state the result, and quote the views of several distin- 
guished officers and intelligent soldiers, selected from an abundance of such testimony for- 
warded to rae as Secretary of the National Association, and respectfully suggest that you 
leave to the honorable (Commit tee of Pensious to estimate, in the light of the facts submitted, 
the probable number of survivors who have failed to respond through indifference, or from la 
norance of the faci that the National Association desired their names for preservation in the 
register. 

THE IJETUUNS. 

Whole jiumber of returned circulars, 
with inlormation required for the Na- 
tional Register (to wit: Name, age, 
address, company, regimental com- 
manders, &c.) 

Washington, I>. C, Association 

Belleville, III., do. 

Also, through various channels of information, returns have been rendered which are not suf- 
ficiently explicit in details for entry of the names in the National Register without further cor- 
rebpondence with each person named, to wit: 





Leavenworth, K 


, Association 


.')2 




Arkansas, State, 


do. 


21ft 




('alifornia. 


do. 


2tl4 




Louisiana 


do. 


238 


,M2.5 


VMh Cong, dist., 


O. do. 


44 


117 


West Virginia 


do. 


17 


lf)« 


Monmouth, 111., 


do. 


137 



Baltimore Asso'u, names only reported . 156 

New York " " " . 38 

Philadeljihia" " " . 42 

Richmond " " " . .30 

Norfolk " " " . 70 
Jacksonville, Alabama . . . .30 

Warsaw, Mis.^otrri 11 

Oregon and Washington Territory . . rA 

Boston, Massachusetts . . " . . 80 

Austin, Texas 306 

Bonham, Texas 16 



Memphis, Tennessee 66 

Pontiac, Illinois 66 

LouisvillH, Kentucky 7!) 

Virginia City, Nevada .... 26 

Santa Barbara, California ... 14 

Eureka, Nevada 11 

St Louis, Missouri 66 

St. Paul, Minnesota .... 70 

Indiana State Association . . . 106 

Wisconsin State Association . . I(t5 

Reading, Pennsylvania .... 30 



UEOAPITULATION. 

Complete for registry as members of the National Association .... 2,549 

Eligible to membership on forwarding military record ...... l,5\2 

Total of names and address ........ 4,061 

The above includ-es survivors and widows, and all who were allowed by Congress a land 
warrant for service in Mexico. Very many of those whose names have been forwarded by sec- 
retaries have also personally forwarded their record of services; but the exact number thus 
duplicated cannot be arrived at without great labor, which I have not had time to bestow upon 
that point on account of a multitude of other duties connected with my position (some idea of 
the extent of which may be inferred from the distribution of the large edition of circulars and 
pamphlets, besides receiving and t;iking more or less action upon nearly 3,000 letters during the 
year, occupying all the time I could spare from my daily avocation.) I think I may hazard the 
assertion that S.-OOO, in round numbers, will cover all the names now in my possession. 

Without jiresuming to express an opinion of my own as to the number of survivors, I re- 
spectfully invite attention to the following extract from a letter of General George W. Morgan, 
who commanded the 13th Army Corps in the late war, and who was brevetted a brigadier gen- 
eral in the regular army during the war with Mexico. 

His letter was read at the Ohio State Convention, held at Dayton on the 15th of December, 
and I regret that space will not permit me to incorporate the whole of this distinguished oflS- 
cers remarks in my report. He says : 

"After the maturest relleclion, it is my conviction, comrades, that of the men who served 
with us on the fields of Mexico, less than six thousand are alive to-day. There were battles, 
such as Buena Vista, Churubusco, and Molino del Rey, (the bloodiest of them all,) where, of 
tlie actual force engaged, of some of the regiments, more than one-third were stretched dead, 
or wounded on the ground. Thousands perished v/ith arms in their hands ; many more thous- 
ands were buried from the hospitals, and a still greater number lingered and died after reach- 
ing their homes, from diseases contracted in that far off land. * * * Of the field 
ofhi-ers of the 2d Ohio, two of the »hreO, and of the 15th regulars, three of the four are dead. 
Of two full companies sent from Knox county only eight survivors are known, and it is probable 
that the same proi)ortion will hold good as to all the troops sent from this State, and it may be 
asserted with safety that not more than eight out of every hundred of the army of Mexico are 
now alive " 

In a subsequent leKer, dated December IS, General Morgan reiterates the opinion that of 
those who actually served in Mexico not more than 6,0(»0 are alive to-day. 

Colonel Ferris Foreman, who commanded the .3d Illinois in Mexico, wrote to Secretary S. 
W. Smiih, of the Illinois State Association, as early in the canvass as May last, as follows : 

"Of the compiiuy raised by me in Fayette county, after a pretty thorough investigation, 
1 lind hut tifieen now surviving ; no field offif^ers except mj'self, and but one surviving 2d lieu- 
tenant. Tins comjiany was the largest in numbers from this State, as was the regiment, the 
oompanv iium»)ering lb.') men. Taking this number as a standard for the 3d regiment, commanded 
by me, (and 1 believe it to be a fair average,) there is now surviving one-seventh ; or, say 125 
men out of. say it.'.(i men. The mortality among the officers, from information, has been greater 
than that of the in.'u Then, if my estimate for my own regiment be a fair average for the 
whole number of enlisted men, (73,260,) would leave of the whole number of survivors, 10,466." 

Secretary S. W. Smith, of Monmouth, III., an intelligent and zealous worker m the cause, 
report* as lollowu s 



14 PROCEEDINGS OF THEE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION 

* * * "Let us take Illinois for an example. It furnished six regiaumu; oi iuii.., 
and several independent mounted companies. If the reports we receive are con-ect, and vv • .. 
not doubt them, there are to-diy only aboat 750 men livin? of the 6,000." 

I cannot, however, agree with Secr?tary Sm'h that the hardy volunteers of Dlinois, most 
of whom served but one year, alford a fair criterion by which to estimate the survivors of reg- 
iments sei'ving throughout the war— an important fact to be taken into consideration. 

A letter from Thomas C. Scott, of Walton, Iowa, who appears to be the only one of all ray 
correspondents now living on the bounty land given him by the Government, remarks : 

"There were 100 at the reunion m this State last fall, mostly old men with broken-down 
constitutions. Please recollect that we got only seven _ar eight dollars a month, and very few 
had much money when thoy were mustered out, and they were obliged to sell their discharges 
to sharpers and land sharks, for from forty to sixty-five dollars each." 

This is a fact which nearly every soldier can verify by personal experience. 

The letters received from all parts of the Union are cumulative on the question of the num- 
ber of survivors, and I do not deem it important to burden this report with add'-ioual quota- 
tion. Perhaps a much greater proportion of deaths have occurn-ed in the Sou..hern States, 
whence a majority of the troops serving in Mexico were enlisted. Many of the communications 
I have received are calculated to excite emotions of pity in the hardest heart, and I am loth to 
believe that the country will begrudge to the survivors, even if three times the estimated num- 
ber were living, the small pittance asked for the balance of their days, when the results of the 
war to the wealth and greatness of the nation are coiisidered. 
Respectfully submitted, 

ALEXANDER M. KENADAY. 
First Secretary N. A. V. M. W. 

The action taken by the other branch of Congress in our affairs, is shown by 
the following extract" from the Senate proceedings, published in the Record of 
February 2, 1875. the remarks of Senator Pratt being called out by his presenta- 
tion of tlie Joint Resolution of the Indiana Legislature on the subject of granting 
pensions to the survivors of the army in Mexico : 

Mr. Pratt. The question of granting pensions to the surviving soldiers of the Mexican 
war has been before the country for some time, extensively discussed by the newspaper press 
throughout the country. It will be remembered that a convention was held in this city a year 
ago, at which resolutions addressed to Congress on this subject were adopted, and numerous 
conventions have been held in the several States. Anticipating that this subject would come 
before Congress at its present session. I addressed a letter early in January to the Commis- 
sioner of Pensions, for the purpose of obtaining from him information on the following points : 

First, as to the number who served in that war, both of soldiers and sailors ; second, an 
estimate of the probable number of survivors : third, an estimate of the probable number of 
widows of soldiers who served in that war. I have the answer of the Commissioner before me, 
dated January 6, of this year; and for the information of the Senate and of the comitry, I ask 
that this letter may be read by the Clerk at the present time. In this connection I wish to 
guard against any implication that the Committee on Pensions of this body have expressed any 
opinion on the subject. It has been before the committee and discussed several times, but they 
have not come to any resolution yet. 

The Vice President. The letter will be read. 

The Chief Clerk read as follows ; 

"Department of the Interior, Pension Office, 

" Washington, D. CJamiary 6, 1875. 
" SiK : I have the honor to aclmowledge the receipt of your letter of the .5th inst., requesting 
Information touching service, &c., in the war with Mexico, and to answer as follows : 

"1. ' As to the number who served in that war :' Soldiers, 73,266 ; sailors, 5,89.3 : total, 79,159. 

" 2. ' An estimate of the probable number of survivors : ' In February, 1874, an estimate 

was made by which it appeared at that time there were 39,660 survivors. From this number a 

'Jeduction of probably 10 per cent, should be made to determine the number who may survive 

at this time, namely : 39,560—3,956=35,604. 

"3. ' An estimate of the probable number of Widows:' In the former estimate, above re- 
ferred to the number of widows was fixed at 14,000. Alike allowance for death in this class 
should be made: 14,000—1,400=12,600. 

" It is proper in this connection to repeat that these estimates, although made from the best 
attainable data, and after careful consideration, yet they cannot be relied upon as correct. The 
results are attained principally through comparison with the experience of the ofSce in acts re- 
lating to other wars ; but the conditions are not sufficiently analogous to justify entire reliance 
in them. They are believed to be approximately correct, yet a variance of a considerable 
amount would not occasion surprise. 

" Very respectfully, JOS. LOCKEY, 

^^ Acting Commissioner. 
"Hon. D. D. Pratt, 

" Chairman Committee on Pensions, United States Senate.^* 

It now appeared evident that favorable action would not be obtained from the 
present Congress unless the Convention announced to meet on the 22d of Febru- 
ary could bring to bear an influence that we did not possess here in Washington, 
and our local association used every effort in their very limited means to bring 
you together. No pains were spared, however, to induce the House Committee 
to make a favorable report before your arrival. The all-absorbing questions that 



OF VETERANS OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 15 

occupied the attention of the House night and day, however, pi-evented a meeting 
of the Committee sooner than the 18th of February, when Mr. Small, of New 
Hampshii-e, submitted the following report, as expressing the views of the majority 
of the Committee, (viz : Messrs. Wm. B. Small, of Xew Hampshire; Alex. S. 
Wallace, of South Carolina; Henry W. Barry, of Mississippi; C. Y. Thomas, of 
Viiicinia; and J. D. Strawbridge, of Pennsylvania.) The report is No. 247, of 
1875, to accompany bill H. R. No. 577, and was submitted to the House February 
18, and referred to the Committee of the Whole on the Private Calendar, and or- 
dered to be printed : 

REPORT OF THE MAJORITY. 

The Committee on Invalid Pensions, to whom was referred House bill 577, being a bill 
granting: pensions to certain soldiers and sailors of the war with Mexico, and the widows of do- 
ceased soldiers, having considered the same, report (but not unanimously) adversely, and ask 
to be discharged from further consideration of said bill. 

The views of the minority will be presented to the House. 

VIEWS OF THE MINORITY. 

The minority of the Committee on Invalid Pensions, to whom were referred the memorial of 
the National Convention of Mexican War Survivors, who assembled in Washington City on 
the loth of January, 1874, asking to be placed on the jjension-rolls, and also bill H. R. 577, 
granting pensions to the survivors of the Mexican war, have had the subject under con- 
sideration, and submit the following report as their views : 

The Federal Government early adopted the policy of rewarding its soldiers and sailors who 
periled their lives in the military and naval service to save the life of the republic with dona- 
tions out of the public domain as well as by moneyed pensions. This policy has been steadily 
adhered to as wise, just, and humane. 

The soldiers and sailors of the Mexican war of 1S46 and 1848 sufferred incredible hardships 
under a tropical sun and in a malarious climate, and by endurance, valor, and indomitable 
energy vanquislied their foes and brought victory to our arms in a manner so glorious as to de- 
serve at the hands of the country the recognition prayed for in their memorial. 

The fruits of the Mexican war resulted in adding an immense area of rich territory to cur 
public domain, out of which new States have been carved and others are yet to be added, be- 
sides a mineral wealth that has not only given great impetus to, but has enlarged and diversi 
fled the industry and commerce of the western continent. 

Tlie war commenced in the spring of 1846, and our soldiers were disbanded in July, 1848 
Thus, in about two years our troops marched into an enemy's country of vast extent, lying 
more than a thousand miles from the center of our population, containing eight millions people, 
subdued them, and dictated their own terms of peace. 

What did we gain by that war? The great State of Texas was involved. The Mexicans 
claimed all that vast territor_v. This peace enabled us to establish her present lines, and sever 
her forever from that domination. By the treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo of February 2, 1848, 
and the Gadsden purchase of December, 1853, Mexico ceded to the United States the territory 
now covered by the States of California, Nevada, part of Nebraska, also all cjaini to the terri- 
tory covered by the State of Texas, and by the Territories of Utah, Arizona and New Mexico, 
by portions of the Territories of Wyoming and Colorado, and by the unorganized territory 
lying west of the Indian Territory, embracing in all abotxt 937,875 square miles. This vast area 
contained more territory than all the organized States of the Union did at the time of its acqui- 
sition. To form some estimate of its richness iind fertility, its value and commercial import- 
ance, we have but to examine its statistics for the past few years. The entire population of 
the newly acquired territory in ISrx) only numbered 406,657 inhabitants, and in 1870 had increased 
to 1,772,060 persons. The total wealth in 1850 was $81,062,899 dollars ; but in 1870 it had swelled 
to $965,622,071. But so rapidly have the population and wealth increased within the past few 
years that at least one-fifth may be added to these figures for the years since the taking of the 
census, which will give us over two million inhabitants, and about $1,200,0<JO,000 of wealth. 
And in all the industries of the country, this acquired section will bear a favorable comparison 
according to population and wealth. In mining-resources, however, it outstrips all the balance 
of he Union together; it is literally the great gold-field of America and of the world. Take, 
for example, the year 1860, and the total product of gold and silver in the United States amounted 
to $61,5tK),00{l, of which sum the following amounts were produced, to wit: 

California $22,500,000 1 New Mexico $500,000 

Colorado and Wyoming . . . 4,00(i,0(K) Nevada 14 (X)0 000 

Arizona 1,000,(M)() I ' 



Total $42,000,000 

And if this should be taken as an average year since ISiM). say for the past twent,y-five years, 
then we will have a yield of $1,050,000,000. or over one billion dollars. This enormous sum has 
been sufficient of itself to give an impetus to the commerce of the whole continent, and has had 
its influence on the civilized world. But the mining resources of this section are beheved to be 
inexhaustible. We have bnt just commenced, as it were, to dig the hidden wealth embedded 
in this El Dorado of America. A recent discovery of a bonanza in the silver-mines of Nevada 
is variously estimated by mining engineers to be worth from $300,000,000 to a sum surpassing 
belief, staled as high as $1 ,5<t0,0UO,0O0. 

But this territory was not only valuable in itself on account of its intrinsic wealth and re- 
sources, but it became the great highway to the Pacific Ocean, and the Orient for the older and 
more densely populated States of the Union. In this respect, alone, it would more than com- 
pensate for all the expenditures of the Mexican war. Who is capable of estimating the value 
and importance of this acquisition, or by what method can it be estimated ? If we undertake 



16 PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION 

to fix a value upon it, we must do so by statistics of what it is now, and what it was when ac- 
quired, comparing the one with the other in all the changes that have been wrought. But 
this must fail to give any just idea of its greatness and value to the country. We can form a 
better idea by asking the question, for what consideration v/ould the General Government 
part with this 937,785 square miles, with its two millions of people and untold resources, and 
commanding position in the continent, holding in its arms the great gateway to the empires of 
the East ? No money consideration could buy it at all ; its value is beyond price ; we could not 
do without it; we can see in it a bright and glorious future of a dense population, containinji 
all the true characteristics of wealth, refinement and a high order of civilization No war with 
a foreign country has produced such results in so short a time, and no troops acquitted them- 
selves with more honor and made greater sacrifices during that period of their service. Havmg 
gained for the whole country that whish for value cannot be estimated, and having reached a 
period when many of these veterans are in need, many of them in absolute want, and without 
the privilege of asylum in the Home established by a fund in which every soldier who served 
in Mexico has an interest, the country should not refuse to reward such faithful and worthy 
patriots. These soldiers who entered service in 1846, 29 years ago, must be over 50 years of age, 
and are too feeble to compete with younger men in physical labor. T-lie proceedings of the 
convention, and a report of the officers of the association appointed by the convention to gather 
statistics in regard to the numbers of surviving veterans, have been submitted to the commit- 
tee, from which it appears that less than 10,000 are known to be alive. From the testimonj' 
submitted, the committee are of opinion that 10 per centum of the whole number of officers, 
soldiers, sailors, and marines, engaged in the war from beginning to end, will cover, in round 
numbers, the survivors. Of this number a large proportion are now on the pension rolls for 
wounds received in Mexico and in later wars. Several of the State legislatures have passed 
resolutions requesting their Representatives in Congress to favor the passage of a law grant- 
ing pensions to these old soldiers ; and if the question was left to the decision of the people by 
a popular vote, in vnew of all the facts, the pension would undoubtedly be allowed by an over- 
whelming majority. 

These soldiers have fought those battles and acquired that territory, and, without regard 
to past or present political views, should be recognized by the Government. Such an act 
would bring about a reconciliation between the two sections of our country more happily than 
any other act upon the part of the Government. 

T, T. Chittenden, of Missouri ; 

Jno. D. Young, of Kentucky ; 

Wn.LiAM J. O'Brien, of Maryland; 

J. M. Rusk, of Wisconsin ; 

Jas. S. Martin, of Illinois. 

With this brief review of the work perfornied at Headquarters of tiie Associa- 
tion during tlie past year, the matter is submitted to the delegates and members 
for tlieir verdict. Some progress has been made, and the present status of the ; 
case gives hope of ultimate success at the hands of the people's representatives in 
the Forty-fourth Congress. 

The First Secretary reported the list of accredited delegates (which will be 
found on pages 4, 5, 6.) 

When, on motion, the Convention adjourned till Tuesday, 23d February, at 11 
o'clock a. m. 



SECOND DAY-TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 1875. 



The second session of the Association was held in Willard Hall, and while the 
delegates were assembling, the Marine band, under the leadership of Professor 
Schneider, performed several popular airs. 

At 11 o'clock a. m., the Association was called to order by First Vice President 
General J. W. Denver, (President Cadwalader not having arrived,) and the 
other officers present took their seats upon the stage. 

Secretary Kenaday conmienced reading yesterday's proceedings, but a motion 
prevailed to dispense with the further reading, in order to afford more time for 
tll€ transaction of other business. 

Col. S. P. Moses, of Washington Territory, offered a resolution providing that 
the chair appoint a committee of one from each State and Territory, and the 
Army and Navy, to report this afternoon a scliednle of officers for the ensuing 
year, the election ^.nd installation to taku place ait 2 o'tlock p. m.? which was 
adopted. 



OF VETERANS OF THE MEX1CA3T WAR. 17 

The Chair announced tluit the committee would be selected after the return 
of the A.ssociation fi'om the Executive Mansion, whither they would proceed at 
once, it heiiii^ near the hour appointed by President Grant for their reception. 

TIk' otficcrs and d^'icirates, to the nunil)er of neai'ly two liuufh-ed, were formed, 
nntler tlie (Urection of the Marshal. G(!n. ?]. K. Biles, of Piiiladelphia, and ex- 
Oov. Jlebert, of I.()uisiana, (special marshal by vot(; of the Association,) and, pre- 
c<Hl('d l)y t]\o Marine band, nuir<'hed to the Executive Mansion, where they were 
ushered into the F]ast room. Piesidcnt Grant soon made his ajipcarance, and the 
body liU'd past liim, cMch in turn bcin.u; introduced, and exchanging; cordial greet- 
ings— tlic l*nv<i(lent rccogni/ini;- many of flic delegates with whom he had bivou- 
acked in front of a loreigu foe many years ago. After the ceremony was con- 
<luded, a delegat<^ from Baltimore pinned his badge upon tlie lappel of the Presi- 
dent's coal, to which he gracefully assented. The line was again formed, and 
the column moved in the same order to Willard's Hall. 

While t li(^ delegates and visitors were being seated, the Mariiie bami rendered 
•''riie Star Spangled Bainier," wiiicli elicited cnthuiiaistic applause. 

The ('HAIR annoimced the following delegates as a committee to nominate 
ofhr-cis of the A--:iociation for tho. ensuing term, vi/ : 

Maj. (ieii. s. P. lleinlztjlman, .for the Army; Mr. J. W. Davis, for the Xavy; 
Hon. J. .r. Martin, of Alabama; Gen. James F. Fagan, of Arkansas; A. A. 
Greene, of ( 'alifornia; (Japt. 8. N. Hoyt. of ('olorndo; Capt. S. V. Niles, of Dis- 
tri<:t of Colmnbia; Gapt. H. J. Sargent, of Georgia ; Oapt. S. Montgomery, of 
Illinois; (ien. .John T.ove, of Indiana; Gen. Robert B, Mitchell, of Kansas; Col. 
T. W. Campbell, of Kentticky; Gov. P. O. Hebert, of Louisiana; Capt. Win. E. 
llMuard, of Maryland ; Capf. E. A. Paul, of Massachusetts ; Hon. Alpheus S. 
William^, of Michigan; A. K. French, Escp, of Miiniesota; Gen. Douglas H. 
Cooper, of Mississippi ; Gen. .FamcN Ci-nig, of ^lissouri ; Col. James E. Xuttman, 
of N^.'U- Jersey; Col. VVm. T/uni Tidball. of New York ; Col. S. X. Johnson, of 
Ghio; (ien. James Tilton, of Oregon; Chauncey F. Sargeni, Esip, of Pennsyl- 
vania; Judge T. J. Mackey, of South Carolina; Hon. \V. J. Smith, of Tennes- 
see; Gen. G. H. (riddings, of Texas; Gen. B. 1). Harmon, of Virginia; X. X. 
Ilolfman. E<(|., of West Virginia; Col. S. P. Moses, of Washington Territory. 

The api)oinfed time having arrived for the oration, the Chair introduced the 
orator selecte(l for the occasion by the last Convention, Col. AVilliam Einn Tid- 
ball, of X«'\v Yt)rk, who served in the Mexican War, as a volunteer, in the Third 
()h\o Regiment. As he advanced to the front, Col. T. was greeted with a romid 
of ap])lause. 

CRATION OF COL. WM. LINN TIDBALL. 

Mr. President and Cumrodes of the National Association of Veterans of Mexican War; 

At our Convention a year ago, the first national collection of soldiers and sailors 
of the Mexican war, the honor of invoking which is due to the associated veterans 
of thix ciry. we were invited to the consideration of three grand objects — the 
organization of a national brotherhood, a general assemblage in Philadelphia on 
the occasion of the Centennial celebration of the natal day of our nation, and the 
preparation of a joint memorial to Congress for a i)ension to those still living who 
served the United States in the war against Mexico. The tirst of these objects 
was accomplished by the formation of a natioiial association, the adoption of a 
constitution an<l by-laws, and the election of otlicers, among Avhom it ma\^ be ob- 
served with pridi* are many distinguished men of the country, and at the head 
a general ofticei- in that war whose gallartt aclnevements are record(^d in the ira- 
peri-hable )>age of history. It is possible that, in the hurry of preparation, some 
things m-.iv have lieeii embraced in oin- articles of government that ought to have 
been omitted, and some things omitted that ought to have been provided, but it 
is in our power to remedy such defects at the present or an}^ subsequent meeting 
of the As>ociation. 

The second object of our Convention, the general assemblage of veterans at 
Philadelphia on the Fourth of July. 1S70, was deferred as by common consent to 
the present occasion, when it v.-a«» reasonably presumed we should be better ena- 
bled to jud^e of the preparations neces-aary for its ducoesi^ful aceoniS>lishment« 



18 PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION 

As in the organization of our national brotherhood, it is in our power to effect 
this object without any extraneous assistance, in such manner as may commend 
itself to the approval of the majority. Of course something ought to and will be 
done at this meeting, to secure the presence of as many veterans of Mexican fame 
as can be collected from all parts of the United States, to join in the pomp and 
pageantry of the great centennial celebration. 

The preparation of a joint memorial to Congress for a pension to the survivors 
of the Mexican war, the third object of our Convention, and in the estimation of 
many the most important, differs from the other two in this essential particular, 
that its accomplishment is not possible without Congressional assistance. In the 
strictest sense of the terms employed, that object was also effected, for such a 
memorial was prepared, and through a committee appointed for the purpose, 
presented in duplicate to the Senate and House of Representatives, and by each 
referred to its committee on invalid pensions. But something was implied beyond 
our power to produce, as was evidenced in the fact that the memorial was accom- 
panied by a bill providing every person who served in that war, for a period of 
sixty days, with a pension of eight dollars a month diu-ing his natui'al life. Per- 
haps the fullness of our purpose will be better understood when it is declared that 
the humble prayer of oiu' memorial will be renewed from year to year, until a 
Congress is found with patriotism enough to remember and reward the soldier 
and sailor in their waning years, for the glorious services bestowed upon the coun- 
try in their youth and early manhood. 

Having engaged in an undertaking so laudable and beneficent, it behooves every 
member of this association, earnestly and zealously to endeavor, by speech and 
pen, and every other honorable means within his reach, to secure its early achieve- 
ment. And if I am not mistaken, it is expected that I, appointed to address you 
on this occasion, sliall say something that may serve to justify our action, encour- 
age oiu- hopes, and if possible remove any objections that stand in the way of om 
success. 

It may be supposed, as the memorial and bill which we presented to Congress 
a year ago have ever since remained in the hands of the committees on pensions, 
that they had been thrust aside as unworthy of notice, or put away in an obscure 
pigeon hole to be forgotten, or concealed in the hidden recesses of some secret 
drawer never again to rejippear. But the fact is, and it ma.y be said without 
arrogance, that there was due the petitioners, in view of their past valuable ser- 
vices to the country, a certain degree of respect which no intelligent legislative 
committee could utteily ignore, even though the humble prayer of their petition 
w^as disapproved. Precisely what was done by the committee of the Senate dur- 
ing the last session of Congress I have not been able to discover, though it is be- 
lieved, as frequently happens in the case of a joint petition, that it was left to a 
committee of the other house to obtain and report such information as might be 
useful to Congress when the subject should be properly presented for further 
consideration. But I am informed that our bill and memorial, in the committee 
of the House of Representatives, were referred to a sub-committee, with instruc- 
tions to collect and report such facts and figures, whether for or against the meas- 
ure proposed, as would enable the committee, the House, and Congress, to dispose 
of the important matter to which they pertained, in a manner at once just to the 
petitioners and the country. To this end the minor committee invited the Com- 
missioner of Pensions, who, it was generally understood, had prepared some ser- 
viceable statistics on the subject, to appear before them on a certain day, and 
impart this valuable information. At the time appointed the Commissioner was 
in attendance upon the committee, having with liim what was represented to be 
a capitation of all the soldiers and sailors who have graced the pension roll of the 
United States since the close of the Revolutionary war. But another matter 
being luider consideration of the committee at the moment, and occupying more 
time than was anticipated, the contemplatedcommunication was indefinitely post- 
poned, and our bill and memorial were not again reached during that session of 
Congress. 

These facts coming to the knowledge of one of that curious class of contributors 
to the current literature Of the day known as correspondents, he called upon the 
Cemmissioner ol Penaipna to ohtdin lor the paper© he rcpre^entsd the facta which 



OF VETERANS OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 19 

that official had prepared for the information of the House committee on invalid 
pensions. Shortly after there appeared in a leading journal of the Capital, and 
simultaneously in several prominent papers published in the Western states, a 
carefully written coramuMication containing the facts and figures thus obtained, 
from which the conclusion was deduced, that a general pension to the survivors 
of the Mexican war would be an unjust discrimination in tlieir favor, and a meas- 
ure at once impolitic and unprecedented. As that article reflected the views of 
the Commissioner of Pensions, or what vvere supposed to be his views, it was 
carefully perused by at least some of the members of the committee, and is be- 
lit'ved to have infiu(^nced their subsequent inaction. 

During the prciient. session of Congress, our bill and memorial have been again 
under consideration ; but 1 need not inform you of any action taken, favorable 
or unfavorable, as that has already been done by the committee appointed to take 
charge of them at the close of our (Jonvention. It is sufiicient for my purpose to 
have you know that our bill has not become a law, and that its defeat, or post- 
ponement, or whatever it may be termed, was mainly or entirely induced by the 
statements of the Commissioner of Pensions — one in February, 1874, and the 
other in January, 1875. 

The numbers, estimates and calculations contained in these statements, and in 
the newspaper statement to which I have alluded, are supposed to embody all the 
objections that can be urged against the measure proposed; for it is not probable 
that, under the circumstances, any fact has been omitted that would tend to throw 
light upon tin; subject, or any argument overlooked that would serve to secure the 
object sought to be attained. Viewing the statements in this light, may I not 
refer to their contents on this occasion, to show the injustice of their application, 
and, if possible, remove any erroneous impression whi(?h they may have occasioned. 
For this purpose 1 need not question the accuracy of the statements as to the number 
of soldiers and sailors engaged in the wars mentioned, the number who subse- 
quently received pensions, or the average expectation of life ; but, surely, no one 
at all familiar with the subsequent history of those who served the United States 
against Mexico, will upbraid us if we decline to accept, without question, the con- 
jectural conclusions of these curious commiwiications. 

By the figures contained in these statements, it appears that the number of 
soldiers and sailors of all classes engaged in the war of the Kevolution, was 280,- 
71.J; the luimber engaged in the war of 1812, our second contest with Great 
Britain, o27,().")4; and the number engaged in the war with. Mexico, 79,159. That 
the number who received pensions for services in the first of these wars, under 
the acts of 1818, 1828, and 1832, was 55,110, and 39,295 widows under the act of 
1853 ; for services in the second of these wars, under the act of 1871, mentioned 
in the call for our Convention a year ago, 21,296. and 5,046 widows ; for services 
in the Mexican war, including widows, about 5,000. That of those who served 
in the Kevolution, about one-fifth became pensioners; and of those who served in 
tlie war of 1812, about one-twentieth, whicli would increase the number already 
given to nearly 27,000, not including widows ; while the number of those now 
suiviving who served in the Mexican war, is estimated to be 35,604, or nearly 
one-half of all the men engaged. That the average age of those who served in 
the Kevohition at the time of the passage of the last act for their benefit, 1832, was 
seventy four anil a half years, and the expectancy of life beyond that time about 
seven years ; the average age of those Avho served in the war of 1812 at the time 
of the last act for their benefit, 1871, was seventy-nine years, and the expectancy 
of life about six years ; while the average age of the survivOrsof the Mexican war 
at the present time is fifty-one years, and the expectancy of life about nineteen 
years. That it was fifty years after the close of the Revolutionary war, and more 
tlian fifty years after the close of the war of 1812, before a general act was passed 
for the benefit of the survivors, such as is asked of Congress for the survivors of 
the Mexican war after the lapse of only twenty-five years. 

Xow, in view of all the circumstances here mentioned, are we not justified in 
the conclusion that these facts and figures were thus arranged, not only that they 
might appear to the best possible advantage, but the more readily influence the 
committee and the community when they came to consider Avhat is evidently re- 
garded as the presumptuous prayer ol our petition; lor if reduced %o words, 



20 PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION 

what could they express other than, that the memorialists are endeavoring to se- 
cure to themselves for their shabby services in a worthless war, a reward such as 
was not bestowed upon our honored ancestors for deeds of daring and scenes of 
suffering that are without a parallel in the history of any country ? But although 
manifestly designed to defeat the object proposed, I cannot assert tliat there was 
any intention to mislead the committee or misinform fehe pubWc, by the prepara- 
tion or publication of facts not designed to express the truth and the whole truth; 
and yet I am bound to declare that the figures given, even if they be correct, are 
not altogether satisfactory as a basis of comparison. In the first place they fail 
to show how many soldiers and sailors who served in the war of the Revolution, 
and also in the war of 1812, have received pensions under acts and resolves of 
Congress, more limited in their application than those mentioned, and under 
special acts for the benefit of individuals distinguished for their gallant services, 
or injured in some particularly hazardous enterprize. P^'ailingin these particulars, 
they necessarily fail to show the exact proportion of those that served in either 
of these wars, who received at some time, under some act of Congress, some sort 
of pension from Government, while the expectancy of life is calculated, not from 
the time of the first, but from that of the last pension granted. And then it is 
left to be inferred, for there is no statement to the contrary, that the acts men- 
tioned are the only ones gi-anting pensions to the survivors of the Revolution and 
later war with Great Britain ; whereas, the fact is, that many acts were passed 
for the benefit of the former before that of 1832, and many also for the benefit of 
the latter before that of 1871. 

In tliis connection it may not be uninteresting to mention briefly the prominent 
cliaracteristics of some of the pension laws enacted for the benefit of the survivors 
of the Revolution. As early as May, 1778, an act was passed entitling to a reward 
of eighty dollars, all non-commissioned officers, musicians and privates who en- 
listed for the war and served to its termination ; and in 1828, the survivors of such 
were granted a pension of full pay during their natural lives. In October, 1780, 
a relief pension of half pay was granted to eacii of a certain class of surviving' 
officers ; and in 1828, the pay of such of these as were then living, was increased 
to full pay, according to the respective rank of each, not exceeding the full pay 
of a captain of the line. The act of March, 1818, already mentioned, was for the 
benefit of all officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians, soldiers, marines and 
mariners who served to the end of the war, or for a period of nine months during 
the war in the army or navy of the United States, and who were at the time of 
the passage of the act or might afterwards become, by reason of reduced circum- 
stances in life, in need of assistance from the country for their support , each 
officer being entitled to twenty dollars, and each of the others to eight dollars a 
month during their lives. The act of June, 1832, more extended in its scope 
than any of the previous acts, embraced all surviving officers, non-commissioned 
officers, musicians, soldiers and Indian spies who served in the Continental line, 
and all State troops, volunteers and militia who served in the war not entitled to 
benefit under the relief act of 1828 ; and entitled each who had served two years 
at one or more terms to receive the amount of his full pay according to his rank, 
but not to exceed the pay of a captain of the line ; and also entitled each who had 
served a term or terms in the whole not less than six months, to an amount bear- 
ing such proportion to the annuity granted to the same rank for the service of two 
years, as his term of service bore to that period. 

Here let it be observed that the acts to which I have alluded, the principle ones 
of a general character passed for the benefit of the soldiei's of the Revolution, 
provide only for the relief of the poor, and grant what are known as indigent 
pensions, which are not to be confounded with invalid pensions, bestowed for 
wounds received in battle, or other injuries sustained in the service in the line of 
duty. Of the latter pensions there were a great many bestowed during the war, 
and afterwards during the lives of the survivors, some for the benefit of individuals, 
and others for the benefit of classes of individuals, whereby lull pay was granted 
to some and toothers extra pay and emoluments. Tliese invalid pensions, as well 
those bestowed during the war as afterwards, were renewed from year to yearfo: 
many years, and subsequently from time to time with longer intervals so long as 
the invaUd^ lived, and alter their deaths to their widows m long as they lived. 



OP VETERANS OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 21 

In 1838, an indigent pension was granted for a term of five years to a certain class 
of widows wlio liad married previous to tlie 3'ear]794, a period tliat was extended 
on two or three 0(:casions, and linally during the time they should remain widows; 
and in ]85;j, the widows of all officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians and 
privates of the Revolutionary army, were granted ])ensions with certain restrictions . 

Nevertheless, it is a noteworthy fact, that of all the numerous acts of Congress 
granting pensions to the soldiers ant] sailors of tiie Revolutionary war, there is not 
one so wi(h' in its scope a< id so general in Its citaracter as that passed inFebruar}^ 
1871, for the benefit of the sm-vivorsof the war of 1812. By that act tlie Secretary 
of the interior was authoriz«ul and directed to place on the pension roll the names 
of all the surviving officers and enlisted an<l drafted men, including militia and 
volunteers of the military and naval service of the United States, wlio served 
sixty days in the war and were honorably discharged. Whereas, the shortest 
period of service for which pensions were granted to the survivors of the Revolu- 
tionary war, not invalids otherwise provided for, was six montjis, and then only 
to such as could establish by undoubted evidence that they were in need of as'- 
sistance from their country to save them from starvation, P>y a compai'ison of 
tlie i>ensionary benefits bestowed by Uw act just mentioned, with those of the 
most lihend laws ever enacted for the relief of;;the survivors of the Revolution, it 
will be seen that a very marked discrimination has been made in favor of those 
who served in the later war, or conversely, against those who achieved our glori- 
ous independence— a discrimination, to use wilh slight variance the language em- 
ployed against the veterans of the Mexican war, if not impolitic, at least unpre- 
cedented. 

As already remarked, the principal objections offered to the bill submitted with 
our memorial are the aggregate inunber of the survivors of the Mexican war, their 
average age. and their expectancy of life, as reckoned by the Bureau of Pensions. 
It is stated that the number, given at over 35,000, was ascertained by actual com- 
putations from tables used in the census reports, by the mode of calculation com- 
mon to life assurance associations, and such others as speculate in human exis- 
tence ; and it is claimed that the number would not materially differ from an 
actual count could one be made. As an instance of the correctness of the Pension 
Office computations, it is declared that vvhen the proposition came before the 
House of Representatives to pension the survivors of the war of 1812, it was shown 
tliat the number would prp^ably exceed 40,000, and it is added that already over 
41,000 claims have been presented. It is said elsewhere, in the same statement, 
that under the act alluded to, 21,296 were benefited, but there is nothing to show 
what became of the other 20,000 applications. Are we to infer that over 20,000 
claims, or about one-half of all presented, were rejecred as fraudulent, or held in 
abeyance y Or are we to infer that over 20,000 patriots of the war of 1812, whose 
average age was seventy-nine years, and whose expectancy of life was but six, 
were unjustly deprived of pensions to which they are lawfully entitled ? If we 
assume that no such Injustice has been done to these aged ])atriots, and we hope 
for the sake of himjanity that tiiere is good ground foi- such an assumption, are 
we not forcod to Llie couclusiou that the calculations of the Pension Office, in so 
far astbey pertain to the survivors of the second British war, are, to say the least, 
surprisingly inaccurate y Aud if erroneous in respect to the survivors of that 
war, may we not reasonably conclu le that estimates made by the same office, 
from the same tables, by the same mode of calculation, concerning about the 
same number of ptM>ple. may be equally incorrect? Allowing for a similar mis- 
caleulaiion, the number of survivors of the Mexican war, instead of being over 
35,000, would be about 17,000, including such as served less than sixty days, and 
are excluded from the benefits of the bill l)y its own provisions. 

But without further reference to this discrepancy, let us consider the estimated 
number of the survivors of the Mexican war, having in view some of the circum- 
stances of their subsequent history. In computing the number of these, it should 
be remembered that the war, after the battles of Palo Alto and Resaca de la 
Palma, was carried on in the States of Mexico, a country differing in many es- 
sential respects from our own, particularly in the climate, which, hot nearly every 
where in summer, and in the winter cold only in the mountains, was in some 
places arid, and in others sultry, whereby the soldiers were exposed to climatic 



22 PROCEEDIXGS OF THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION 

influences to which they were wholly unaccustomed, and in no wise prepared to 
resist and overcome. The result was (.Hsease in nearly every form common to the 
tropical regions, and death in a greater proportion than ever befell an army of the 
United States in any other war, not excepting the protracted struggle against 
the Seminoles in the everglades of Florida. Of the survivors, it is a well known 
fact, that a very considerable number was discharged on account of disease con- 
tracted in the line of duty, and that a much lai-ger number, who had served to 
the end of the war, returned to their homes with the seeds of disease in their 
systems ; and it is also a well known fact — one that I have never heard ques- 
tioned unless it be by the computations of the Pension Bureau, that the greater 
portion of both of these classes, after a few years of intense suflering, died of these 
diseases. Upon the discovery of gold in Cahfornia. the survivors of the Mexican 
war were among the first to adventure by land and M^ater to the sunny slopes of 
the Pacific, being thereby not only subjected to the worst exposures by the way, 
but to all the vicissitudes incident to gold-hunting unde^- the first fever of excite- 
ment ; and while it is reasonable to conclude that the loss among them by death 
was in proportion to their number, it is generally believed that the proportion 
w^as verv much greater, occasioned by their susceptibility to climatic changes, 
the result of similar exposure during the war. When in the course of human 
events it became necessary to call for volunteers, in the South to sustain and in 
the Xorth to suppress the recent rebellion, the survivors of tlie Mexican war on 
both sides of Mason and Dixon's Line, yielding to the influences of surrounding 
circumstances, were the first to rush into the conflict and the last to lay down 
their arms ; and it is estimated, by the help of what are supposed to be well au- 
thenticated facts, that the loss hy death among them, in both the contending 
armies, was very much greater in proportion to the number engaged than of any 
other class of contestants. For these reasons, and many others tliat miglit be 
given, it is believed that the survivors of the Mexican war. who would be entitled 
to a pension under the bill presented with our memorial, do not in reality exceed, 
if they even reach, a fourth of the number given by the Pension Bureau ; and 
we are strengthened in this belief, because there is perhaps not one within the 
sound of my voice who cannot count upon the fingers of his two hands all the 
survivors of the company in which ho served, while here and there is one who 
can safely say that he is the last of the eighty or hundred with whom he entered 
the army. 

But the act of 1S71, though in our bill we follow its language in every unobjec- 
tionable feature, is not allowed us as a precedent, for the remarkable reason that 
only a little over a quarter of a century has elapsed since the close of tlie Mexican 
w^ar. To constitute an example for us. it is necessary that full half a century 
should have passed away, that nineteen-twentieths of our number should have 
died, and that the average age of the lingering twentieth should have reached to 
four score years. The objection is not urged on the ground that a man of only 
fifty-one years is still able to earn a suppoi-t by manual labor, but because the 
number to be benefited being nearly one-half of the whole engaged in the war 
instead of only one-twentieth, with an expectancy of life of nineteen years in- 
stead of only six, it would cost the government too mucli money, not only to 
pension so many, but to continue to pension some of them for so long a period. 

I do the Bureau of Pensions no injustice when I say that the facts and figures 
prepared for the committees, when analyzed and applied to the subject under 
consideration, justifies this and no other conclusion. It is true that the expense 
of a measure is oftentimes a matter of importance, and may be in the enactment 
of a pension law, as doubtless it was during the earlier years that followed the 
close of the Revolution, when the Government was deeply in debt, and the people 
of the whole countrv impoverished by the protracted war that secured to them 
independence, and to us the choicest blessings of liberty. But is there any jus- 
tice in the practice of such parsimony toward the survivors of a war that added 
millions of miles to the extent of our territory, and millions upon millions of dol- 
lars to the wealth of our country? B-^caase a father with three sons finds it diffi- 
cult out of his small fortiuie to educate his first born at a public school, and 
scarcely less difficult when his income has doubled to send his second son to thft 
village academy, woifld it be an act of justice, when his wealtu has increased & 



OF VETERANS OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 23 

hundred fold, to deprive his youngest son of the better benefits of a collegiate 
couise of instruction, because his elder brothers had not enjoyed a similar 
privileg»*. ? 

It may be that the veterans of the Mexican war overestimate the value of their 
services to the country, yet 1 feel very sure that they would never have ventured 
to compare the war in which they participated with either of our wars against 
Great Britain. But inasmuch as this has been done ?y an officer of the Govern- 
ment, at least by implication, may we not be permitted to consider these wars 
together, and contrast a few features quite as conspicuous as those made manifest 
by the (comparison ? 

About ten years before the Revolution, the British Parliament conceived the 
scheme of taxing tlie American colonies, to aid in tlie support of the home gov- 
ernment and in tlie furtherance of her foreign wars. To effect this object duties 
were laid on impoi'ts into the colonies from foreign countries, particularly on the 
necessaries of life, as tea, coflee, and sugar, and certain stamp duties were im- 
posed, with penalties for their violation, to be decided by the admiralty courts, 
creatures of the crown, without the intervention of a jury. An etlort to enforce 
these acts of oppregsion was followed by the destruction of three ship loads of 
tea in Boston hi^rbor, the assembling of the Provisional Congress in Philadelphia, 
a general pre))aration for war, and the battle of Lexington. The war that ensued 
extended through a period of eight years, and after a hundred battles of more or 
less magnitude on land and ocean, culminated in the surrender of Lord Corn- 
wallis, at YorUtowti, and secured not only the rights for which it had been waged, 
but the largest liberties ever enjoyed b}"" a free people. There is not in all history 
a parallel of this war, for though other oppressed peoples have revolted against 
their governments, as Ireland, and Cuba, andPol.ind, and Greece, and Hungary, 
only the people of the united American colonies, who '''preferred prisons to in- 
famy and death to servitude," achieved and maintained their mdependence. 

Our second war witli Great Britain was also the result of oppression, but of a 
charact«u' altogether ditlerent from the wrongs imposed on the colonies previous 
to tlie Kovolutiun. The (juestions at Issue were the right of search, and expatria- 
tion ; Great Britain, on various pretences, assuming authority to search the 
vessels of other nations, and maintaining that a man born a subject could not by 
any act change his native allegiance. America, more liberal in her policy, held 
that a man had a right to break the bomis imposed by his birth, and become a 
member of another government by naturalization, which entitled him to the pro- 
tection and all the privileges of a natural born citizen. The war covered a period 
of nearly three years, if we include the battle of New Orleans after the treaty of 
peaee was signed, and the capture of three British war vessels after it was ratified. 
Great Britain having repealed the order by which neutral nations were prohibited 
froui trading with Ifer enemies, and discontinued the impressment of American 
seamen, the prin(ii)al objects of the war were secured. 

Many years Ijefore the Mexican war, adventurous citizens of the L^nited States, 
and kindred spirits from other nations, had emigrated into Texas; and having 
for convenience and security formed themselves into settlements, and subsequently 
built towns and cities for their accommodation, they experienced the necessity of 
a home government, in 1838, they adopted aconstitiition and applie<l for admis- 
sion into the Mexiean union as a sei)arate State — a reasonable request that was 
not only ilenied them, but their commissioner was seized and thrown into prison ; 
and two years after the Mexiean confetlera(;y was dissolved and the whole coun- 
try reduced under Santa Aniui to a military despotism. The people of Texas re- 
fusing to submit to these arbitrary proceedings, a strong army was sent into that 
departnient to enforce the reipiisitions of the govenunent. The war that ensued, 
in whi<.'li the Texans were distmguished for their bravery, and the Mexicans for 
their barbarism and butchery, terminated with the battle of San Jacinto, where 
General Houston killed and wounded of the eneujy more than his own force num- 
bered, and captured nearly as many more, including the three principal generals, 
Cos, Almonte and Santa Anna. This victory was followed by the treaty of May, 
183G, in which Santa Anna, as President of Mexico, bound liimself solemnly to 
acknowledge, sanction and ratify the full, entire and perfect independence of 
Texas, with the liio Bravo del Norte as the western boundary of the new Republic. 



24 PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION 

During the ten years that ensued the people of Texas mahitained their inde- 
pendence, and repelled the successive invasions of Mexico under Bascus, Oanaies 
and WoU; and in the meantime applied to the United States, as they had previ- 
ously done to Mexico, for admission into the union as a separate State. In Marcti, 
1845, a joint resolution was passed by Congress, providing that the territory right- 
fully belonging to the Kepublic of Texas, sliould form part of tlie Americau 
union, on condition that the latter government would settle all questions of boun- 
dary that might arise with other governments and on the fourdi of July follow- 
ing, it was ratified by the people of Texas in convention, 'i'he Mexican Minister 
of foreign atfairs held this act to be a declaration of war between the two coun- 
tries, and Paredes, then supreme governor of Mexico, publicly announced his 
determination to bring Texas under re-subjection. Early in the spring of 1846, 
to protect the people of the new State from the threatened invasion, Gen. Taylor 
traversed the disputed territory between the Nueces and Rio Grande, and erected 
a battery and fort opposite Matamoras. This event was ispeedily followed by the 
actual invasion of our territory, the assassination of Col. Tiuman (Jross, the cap- 
ture of Capt. Thornton and his party of observation, the defeat of Uapt. Walker 
and his Texan Rangeis, the bombardment of Fort Brown, and the battles of 
Palo Alto and Resaca de la Palma. 

Here it would be proper, if time would permit, to portray the services rendered 
by the soldiers and sailors in this war — services that would not sutler by a com- 
parison with those of any other nation, or with those of any other war of our 
own nation. But as the events of the war are minutely recorded in histories ac- 
cessible to every readei-, I need only advert to those of principal prominence, to 
show that the patriotic people of this country, in return for the gallantry of our 
arms and the glory of our achievements, would be aiiiply justitiedia a reasonable 
exercise of their great gratitude and generosity. 

Of the several independent commands moved in dilTerent directions against 
Mexico, that of General Taylor, the Army of Occupation, is entitled to lirst men- 
tion, being the hrst in the order of time, it was operated on the line of the Rio 
Grande and Rio San Juan, and through the mountain passes in the direction of 
San Luis Potosi. 'i'he battles of Palo Alto and Resaca de la Palma were open 
field tights, between two thousand Americans and six thousand Mexicans, the 
latter under command of Arista, one of the most accomplished generals of Mex- 
ico—the defeat of the enemy on the first day, and his utter discomfiture on the 
second, being accomplished at a loss to our army of only ]77, while that of the 
enemy exceeded 1,000. The situation of Monterey and the strength of her for- 
tifications justified the Mexicans in the belief that the city was impregnable; but 
to the Americans, accustomed to surmount every obstacle, these extolled de- 
fences, though composed of formidable forts, redoubts, and batteries, w^ere only 
so many positions to be reduced; andafter a short preparatory siege, and three 
days spent in successive stoi-nis, all these strongliolds were cai'ried by our chival- 
rous soldiery, only 7,000 in number, with a loss of 561, the luimber and loss of 
the enemy never having been correctly ascertained. But the crowning glory of 
this army w^as the battle of Buena Vista, another open field fight, and perhaps all 
things considered the most remarkable in modern limes, wherein a force of leS;^ 
than 5,000 volunteers encountered over 20.0UO of the choicest troops of Mexico 
under their most skillful commander, and after two days desperate fighting de- 
feated them in every quarter, and drove them from the field, with a loss of fifteen 
hundred men, or more than twice as many as our army sustained. 

Of the other two forces originally designed to operate against Mexico, The 
Army of the Centre, under General Wool, and The Army of the West, under 
General Kearny, it is sutficient to say of the former, that it was marched from 
San Antonio de Bexar to Monclova, where preparations were made for adescent 
upon Chihuahua ; but on receiving intelligence that Kearnj^ after capturing Santa 
Fe, had received the surrender of that city. Wool changed his course and merged 
his army into that of Taylor previous to the battle of Buena Vista. At Santa Pe 
Colonel Doniphan, with the mounted men of Missouri, was detached from the 
Army of the West, and ordered to open communication with VV^ool; an order 
which he faithfully executed, chastising the hostile Navajos by the way, and con- 
quering the Mexicans in greatly superior force at Bracito and Sacramento. In 



OF VETERANS OF THE SIEXICAN WAR. ^ 

the meanwhile Commodore Sloat had captured Monterey and San Francisco, in 
California : and then surrenderino- the command to Commodore Stockton, the lat- 
ter with the help of Major Fremont had captured Puebla de los Angeles and Santa 
Barbara. On his arrival in California, Kearny marched upon and defeated a lar^e 
force of the enemy at San Fasqual, and afterwards in conjunction with Stockton, 
conquered a still larujer force ai San Cabriel, and a^ain the next day on the plains 
of Mesa, thus virtually endin^^- the war in California. 

Subsequently oin- Covornment oroaui/ed unother expedition, denominated The 
Army of luNu.-ion, to laud at some pointou the western part of the Gulf of Mexico, 
and proceed thence inider the care of the General-in-cliief, Major General Scott, 
lo the capital of Mexico. Before the anival of this army, Connnodore Connor 
had captured 'i ampico, and Commodoie J Vriy, 'J'obasco, the lattei- after a sharp ^ 
conthct ; and betore the siege connnencid, liieut. Hunter had taken possession of 
Alvorado. So assiued were tlui .Mexicans of the impregnability of Vera Cruz and 
llie renowned castle oi San Jiiun de lUloa, that tliey ollered no resistance to the 
landing of our army, and were a[)parenlly unconscious of their perilous situation, 
until Patterson and l^illow opened their heavy mortars upon the city ; and though 
subsequently making a good deieiice, they were compelled, at the end of four (.lays, 
after a dreadful tlesiruction of liie and property, to strike their colors, fcurrender 
their garrison of 5U00 men as prisoners of war, and evacuate their forts and castle, 
the latter containing 4U0 pieces of ordnance. 

The marcli of our victorious general to the capital was first impeded at Cerro 
Gordo, a conuiianding height near a narrow gorge where the national road crosses 
the Flan del Kio, defended by a tower and numerous works, and a force of 15,000 
men under Santa Anna. The enemy, after a short though severe struggle, dis- 
mayed by the impetuous charge of our troops, threw down their arms and lied 
from their fortresses, leaving behind not only their heavy ordnance and lield bat- 
teries, but even their .small arms and accoutrements. In this engagement, although 
our forwe was only half the number of the enemy, we captiwed 3,000 prisoners, 
among whom were hve generals of distinction. Following up tlieir advantage, 
the Americans pursued the enemy through Jalapa, took possession of La Hoya 
and the city and (^astle of Perota, defeated a body of lancers in the plains of Ama- 
soca, and having reached Puebla, waited the arrival of reinforcements. T'hus 
General Scott and his army, in less than two months, had captured three large 
cities, two castles, 10,000 men, 700 cannon, and an immense quantity of shot, shell 
and small arms. 

Advancing upon the capital, the American army encountered no further obsta- 
cle until they reached Contreras, a strong fortress mounting twenty-two guns 
and garrisoned by seven thousand troops under Valencia. The storming of this 
stronghold by three thousand men under the lead of Smith, Cadwalader and 
Kiley, with a loss to the enemy of seven hundred killed, eight hundred wounded, 
and tifteen hundred prisoners, is justly jegarded as one of the most brilliant 
achievements of the war. The capture of ('ontreras was immediately followed by 
the battle of Churubusco, or rather by a series of battles, for on that day no less ^ 
than hve were fought before the suiTender of the citadel ; in which our troops, 
divided under Twiggs and Worth and Pillow and Shields — ui all eight thousand 
five hundred men, with a lossot one thousand, overthrew and dispersed thu'ty-two 
thousand, killing and wounduig one-eighth of their number, and capturing three 
thousand prisoners, among whom were eight generals and two hundred other 
otiicers. 

These battles led to an armistice ; but a'^ter twelve days spent in fruitless nego- 
tiations, the principal difiiculty being the western boundary of Texas, involving the 
old question of disputed territory, hostilnies were renewed. The enemy to the 
nuuioer of fourteeii thousand, was entrenched behind a line of stiong fortresses, ' 
extending from Molino del Key, under the guns of Chapultepec, to the strong 
citailel of Cassa Alata ; but after several hours incessant tigh tint;, our invincible 
little army of three thousand men, carried the entire line of defences, losing .seven 
hundred and eighty, but infiicting upon the enemy a loss of three thousand. The 
storming of Chapultepec, an isolated mound of great elevation, strongly fortified 
from base to crown, and defended by six thousand men, was accomplished in the 
face of a most desperate resistance, by two columns moving in opposite directions, 



26 PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION 

one under Quitman and the other under Pillow and Cadwalader, with a loss to the 
enemy of one thousand killed and wounded and 800 prisoners, among whom were 
a major general and six bxigadiers. 

Of the two great routes from Chapultepec to the capital, Worth followed that 
which leads to the gate of San Cosnie, and Quitman the road that enters the Belen, 
each an elevated causeway defended by many strong breast-works, and an army 
stung to desperation by defeat and the danger that menaced the capital of their 
country. The resolute resistance of the entrenched army, scarcely equalled in 
any previous engagement, was due in a great measure to the personal presence of 
Santa Anna, first at Belen and afterwards at San Cosme ; but like the formidable 
fortresses in our rear, one after the other fell before our invincible troops, who 
entered the city in triumph, and planted the star spangled banner upon the 
National Palace. O how glorious the spectacle, when the general-in-chief, like 
^^ Saul of Israel, head and shoulders above all the people, stood in the midst of his 
victorious army, and for his great conquests thanked Almighty God in the Hall of 
the Montezumas ! 

So many bloody battles, against such great odds, before strong entrenchments, 
under the fire of fortresses, could not possibly take place without loss to the victors 
as well as the vanquished ; and throughout our land, mothers, like Rachel, were 
weeping for their children. Of those who make war a profession, how many fell 
as they would wish to have fallen, fighting for their flag — Cross and Mills, Ran- 
som and Scott, Ringgold and Brown, Barbour and Lear, Williams and Field, 
Thornton and Drum, and many others, all distinguished for their intrepidity. 
There was a much greater number among those who pursued the peaceful walks 
of life, but in the hour of peril beat their plowshares into swords and their prun- 
ing hooks into spears, and rushed to the rescue of Taylor and Twiggs, or followed 
the fortunes of Scott : conspicuous among whom were Hamar, of Ohio; Baxter, 
of New York ; Butler, of South C'arolina ; Yell, of Arkansas ; McKee and Clay, 
of Kentucky ; Hardin, of Illinois ; Watson, of Maryland ; and Walker, of Texas. 
Besides these were a vast number whose names, though not found in the page of 
history, are entered in the records of their country, and cherished in the memory 
of their comrades. 

As the survivors of these gallant men, in whose glorious deeds we were also 
participators, are we not reasonably justified, after the lapse of more than quar- 
ter of a century, in asking of our country this public recognition ? Or must some 
of us, whom fortune favored in the fight, but deserted when the struggle was 
over, wend our weary way in poverty to the grave, because full half a century 
has not elapsed since the war, and our he^ds have not grown white with the frosts 
of eighty winters? 

The figures prepawed in the Bureau of Pensions, as I have already remarked, 
were designed to show that the prayer of our petition could not be granted with- 
out unjust discrimination in our favor ; leaving it to be inferred that the survivors 
of the wars with Great Britain had been amply rewared for their valorous and 
valuable services. It is possible that the Government was as liberal toward these 
brave men as the condition of the treasury would warrant ; but the most gener- 
ous apologist will not fail to discern a greater liberality in the time that was al- 
lowed to pass, than in the pittance which was eventually bestowed. It is the 
pittance for which we petition, and against the time tlmt we remonstrate, hold- 
ing to the opinion that, if our services are entitled to any greater reward than 
that already received, it is not time that is to be taken into consideration, but the 
present and prospective condition of the country. 

That the character of the senices rendered may be fully understood and appre- 
ciated, let us place in sententious juxtaposition a few of the prominent featui-es of 
the three great wars mentioned by the Bureau of Pensions. Taxation without 
representatation and trial without jury led to the Revolution ; the impressment of 
American seamen and the plunder of Amencan vessels, to the war of 1812 ; the 
invasion of a sovereign State and the eftbrt to subjugate a sovereign people, to the 
war against Mexico. By the first of these wars we gained national independence 
and ci* il liberty ; by the second, we secured our citizens against seizure and for- 
eign service ; and by the Mexican war we not only sustained the integrity of a 
sovereign State, but saved her people fi-om death and their property from destruc- 



OF VETERANS OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 



27 



tion. Of the hundred battles fouglit during the Revolution, more than one-half 
were British triumphs ; of the fore-score battles fought during the war of 1812, 
more than one-third were also British triumplis ; but it may be mentioned as a 
chai-acteristic of the JSJexican war, tliat the Americans never met the enemy, how- 
ever great The dispar'fy of numbers, without giving liim immediate battle-^ and if 
we exttept a ft;w insignilicant reverses, as the surprise of Borland, the defeat of 
DeRusse, and the raid upon Mcintosh, never without victory. At the close of the 
Revohition, such was the poverty of tlie people, occasioned by the decay of trade 
and manufactures, that the inhabitants of certain districts, in resisting the col- 
l«'Ction of goverpment taxes, drifted into sedition and insurrection. At the close 
of the second British war, not only had the people sunlv again into deplorable pov- 
erty, but the public debt had increased to over $123,000,000. The war with Mexico 
dillered from these in one essential particular — it was self-sustained ; partly by 
contributions levied upon conquered cities — a fund that was afterwards employed 
in erecting the Soldiers' Home ; but mainly by the treaty of peace, which added 
to our public domtun all the vast territory embraced within the boundaries of New 
Mexico and Upper California. The territory thus acquired, gave us the ports of 
the Pacitic and opened to our enterprising people the trade of the East, while the 
precious ores in which the soil abounds, enriched our people with an ease never 
before experienced and to an extent never before realized, and developed tlie re- 
sources of our country until it has become in all the essentials of a great govern- 
ment, the tirst nation of the earth. 

Here allow me to repeat, that the soldiers and sailors of the Mexican war would 
never have ventmvd to compare their services with those rendered the country by 
our forefathers in the wars against Great Britain, if it had not lirst been done by 
an officer of the Government to defeat tlie humble prayer of our petition. And lest 
the object be now misunderstood, permit me to add, that in making manifest some 
of the distinguishing differences between these wars, we do not claim to have had 
a better cause, or in the performance of our duty to have displayed a greater gal- 
lantry ; but merely to show that our cause was also just, that our gallantry, though 
judged by the highest standard of excellence, was creditable to ourselves and use- 
ful to our nation, and that the results of the war in which we participated, have 
placed it within the power of Government to exercise toward us a generosity that 
perhaps could never have been extended to the survivors of the earlier wars. If I 
were to conmient upon the comparison made by tlie Penrion Office, perhaps it 
Avould be to say that our Government, even if impoverished by the British wars, 
never fully appreciated, or at least never sufficiently rewarded, the invaluable ser- 
vices of our heroic forefathers, to whoise memories be eveiiasting honor and glory ! 

A pension is not, as many suppose, an emotional gift of government, inducMidby 
poverty and pity— poverty 'of the applicant and pity of the government ; but an 
act of justice, grounded in equity, — a reward of merit, — a compensation for services 
taithfully rendered and inadequately remunerated. It is not bestowed upon all 
citizens indiscriminately, but only upon those who have served in the army or 
navy, in the face of danger and of death, and received the seal of thek- country's 
approbation. 

Two things are necessary to maintain a war— men and means ; men to light tlie 
battles, and means to provide the men with proper care, subsistence, and trans- 
portation. AVhen it is necessary to take a man's property, the cost is ascertained, 
and he is compensated ; and it liot unfrequently hai)pens that the rate of recom- 
pense is greatly in excess of its actual value, either to himself or the government. 
When a man's money is rcfiuired, he receives a certiticate, or bond, or other evi- 
dence of indebtedness, which usually represents a greater sum than government 
realized, at a rate of interest higher than is allowed to other citizens, and free from 
taxation which is imposed on all other property; and these discriminations, 
whether just or unjust, are rigidly enforced upon the principle that, whatever its 
character, a contract is sacred and inviolable. But the soldier and sailor, who 
enter the service of their country, whether voluntarily or compulsorily, are obliged 
to receive what their government provides — the smallest pay, the coarsest food, 
the roughest clothes, the thinnest shelter ; and when their services are no longer 
required, if they have escaped the blades, the bullets and the bayonets of the 
enemy, they are caivlessly thrown ofl" Uke a worn-out garment. Is this justice Pis 



-^O PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION 

it equity? is it himianity ? I3 property of greater value than human blood? is 
money of more worth than human life ? The answer is found in the fact tliat our 
Government, sensible of the mjustice which it cannot otherwise redress, has crea- 
ted pensions for the benefit of such as have served and survived, and for the fami- 
lies of such as have perished. 

Genericuiiy, pensions may be divided into thive classes — invalid pensions, which 
are bestowed upon sucli as were wounded in battle, disabled by some otiier injury, 
or by disease contracted in the line of duty ; indigent pensions, which are a i^ratuity 
to such as have become too pooi- to live Without the aid of Government, of whom 
there were many araonp^ the survivors of both the British wars; and patriotic pen- 
sions, which are granted as a i-eward for meritorious services that have been fol- 
lowed by an honorable discharge. It is tlie last of these for which we pray in our 
jjetition, not only because in itthe other two are included, but as well because we 
desi]-e to have the names of all who served honorably in the war, written in the 
pension list, which is in peace the roll of honor. If it should include some who 
were not wounded in battle, it would also include some who were wounded but 
cannot obtain pensions under existing laws. If it should embrace a few who are 
not yet fifty years of age, and a few others who .are still in the enjoyment of good 
health, it would also embrace a great many who are far down on the sun-set slope 
of life, and a great many others who, through various causes since the war, have 
fallen into premature decrepitude. If it should comprise here and there one who 
is rich and here and there another who is in comfo]table circumstances, it would 
also comprise very many who, to use the language of our memorial, ai-e now not 
only poor in this world's goods, so essential to the comforts of human happiness, 
but absolutely destitute of the very necessities of existence, and pensioners upon 
the charity of those of their comrades in arms whom fortune has more Jiighly 
favored. 

As might be supposed, the possibility of a pension originated with those who had 
passed through chsease and disti-ess to the verge of starvation, and after a careful 
survey of the weary walks of life leading from fifty to tlie grave, had failed to dis- 
cover an}'^ othei- means of extj-ication. Having some such in nearly every commu- 
nity, it is no marvel that the suggestion, as a mode of helping the helpless and 
enabling the better conditioned to exei'cise a more liberal charity, was received 
with a favor that has steadily inoeased, until all who sei-ved under circumstances 
which entitle them to this honorable distinction, have encouraged the movement 
by their sympathy and influence. Among these may be mentioned the surviving 
generals of the Mexican wai-— Butler, Pattei'son, Pillow, Shields, Cadwalader, Lane, 
Harney and Gushing, the President of the United States, the General and other 
distinguished officers of the army, the Vice Admiial and other distinguished officers 
of the navy, gove]*nors of states. senato]'s and representatives in Congress, and in 
private life many more than I could name without undue encroachment on your time 
and patience. It is scai-cely to be presumed that the fombined elforts of so many 
distinguished men of the country can fail to secure, at an early day, the recognition 
and reward for winch we pi-ay in our petition ; but in the ineanwliile,. as poverty 
leads to distress and destitution, sometimes to crime and degredation, let those 
who can extend to those who need a bountiful benefiiction, keeping in view the 
important fact, that a time will come to all who lead an honorable life,— as it did 
come to the survivors of the Revolution, as it lias come to the survivors of the later 
British war, — when it will be one of the proudest eulogies pronounced upon living 
man — he was a hero of the Mexican War. 



At the close of his oration. Col. Tidball was applauded with much enthusiasm, 
and the venerable Henry S. Lane. Ex-United States Senator from Indiana, catch- 
ing inspiration from the surroundings, arose and made a brief but incisive speech, 
indicating that the fires had been rekindled in his breast which made him famous 
as an orator j^ears ago. Gen. Lane concluded his remarks with a motion, which 
was unanimouslv adopted, that a copy of the truthful and admirably prepared 
oration of Col. tidball be requested for publication in the proceedings of the As- 
sociation. 



OF VETERANS OF THE MEXICAN WAR. ^9 

On motion, the thanks of tlie Association were tenilered Professor Schneider 
and the Marine band, who responded with "Dixie." and then retired. 

Col. W. L. Tidball aji<l Col. A. H. Reynolds, (Pa.,) who had been appointed 
ry the President for the pnrpose, here submitted the order of business, [published 
:n page 2, for more convenient reference,] which was adopted and made appli- 
table to the subsequent busuiess of the Association. 

WAR DEPARTMENT CORRESPONDENCE — THE DEAD HEROES OF BUENA VISTA. 

Judge T. J. Mackey (S. C), at the request of the Chair, (the Secretary being 
much occupied with other duties.) read the following correspondence with the 
War Department in relation to the dead heroes of the Mexican war, who were 
buried at Monterey and Saltillo : 

Saltillo, Mkxico, January 2, 1876. 
Hon. Secretary of War, Washington, D. C: 

Gknkkal ; III compliance with your request to me while in Washington, in September last, I 
have the honor to transmit to you the following statement of the factj< in relation to the burial 
places of American soldiers who fell in the battles of Monterey and of Buena Vista, near this 
place, in the Mexican war. 

The dead of this place and Buena ViHta were buried in a vacant lot contiguous to the old 
Campo Santo, of this city, on the southeast side of the \,o\vn. A suitable inclosure was erected, 
and the graves were atone time marked by stones, but the lot was private property; the Amer- 
ican ofHcers negle.tt'd to procure a title to it, and the owner has, many years since, reclaimed 
his laud, and destroyed every vestige of its being a burial place. A short time since a crop of 
corn was harvested fron\ this lot, and it is now planted in wheat. It was known for many 
years as the Camjio Santo de los Americanos. I have spoken with the Governor of the State 
about erecting a suitable monument to the soldiers buried there, and he freely otTered to do all 
in his power to protect it from defacement in the event of its erection, providing tliat it be sim- 
ply a memorial monument, and contains in its inscriptions nothing of a triumphal character, 
calculated to olfeud the sentiments of the Mexican people bv reference to their discomfiture m 
the battle. I have no doubt that the lot could be purchased, for a small sum, from its present 
owner, and the title deeds registered in tlie proper office, a copy being left in the American 
<onsulate at Monterey. As to the dead of Monterey, I have before me a recent letter of the 
American lonsiil, . I. tririch, of Montorey, in which he says : "The inen who were killed at the 
taking of Monterey were bnried near the place where tliey fell, some below the town, near the 
tanneries, others near tiin ' Obisprado,' (Bishops Palace,) and some of the officers who were 
killed, and some othcers and men who died were buried near the Walnut Spring, where General 
Taylor had his camp. At the latter place there was, at one time, an inclosure, and some stones 
marking some of tlie graves. At i)resent there is no indication on the spot of its having been a 
burial place, corn being planted there, and the stones probably now being in the walls of some 
of the ranchitos in this vicinity. At none of the places where tht-re were burials are there now 
any signs to mark the spot, atid there are few persons here who could identify them. ♦ * ♦ 
I have made frequent inquiries on the subject at various times, but have never obtained any 
thing satisfactory. There are no monuments of any kind whatever.'' 

He also states that the bodies of niany of the officers who fell were subsequently removed 
to the linited States. He furthermore thinks that no opposition to the erection of a monument 
would be madH by the State or municipal authorities, but thinks it would be best to procure an 
order from Mexico, authorizing its erection, to secure it against abuse in the many vicissitudes 
to which the country is exposed. 

In view of the time that has elapsed, now 27 years, since the interment of these bodies, the 
nncertainty. even of their identification, and the almost impossibility of collecting them in one 
place, as well as of the remote localities in wliich the bodies are interred, and the consequent 
difficulty of guarding it against unauthorized, wilful defacement, I would respectfully suggest 
that the most feai»ihie thing to bo done is to erect a suitable memorial monument in the Cam- 
pos Sanios of Monterey and this place, jiurchasing the necessary ground from the respective 
municipal authorities. It would be thus swured from all depredation, and from the public 
character of the peaces better carry out the idea of showing tlie nations gratitude to its illus- 
trioiis dead. 

As to the material for the monument, it might be made in the United States from iron and 
shipped here, or it might be made of a vory fine marble which can he procured near Matihiila, 
m the State of San Luis Potosi, 60 leagues from here. In any way in which I can be of service 
in carrying cut your ideas in this matter, j'ou have only to command me. I have the honor to 
be, General, very respectfully, j'our obedient servant, 

A. G. CAROTHERS. 
Late Aas't Surgeon and Bvt. Capt. U. S. Vols. 

W.\i! UErAKTMENT, Washixgtox City, February 5, 1875. 
Gen. J. W. Denver, President Mexican War Association, No. 1115 Pennsylvania avenue N. TT.- 

General: The Secretary of War has handed me the inclosed letter from Dr. Carothers, 
relative to the soldiers of the United Stales who were killed in the battles near Monterey and 
Buena Vista, and whose remains are buried near Saltillo and Monterey, and suggesting that a 
Buitahle memorial monument hp erected in the ('amvio Santos of those cities. 

The graves of these soldiers having been obliterated by cultivation, they cannot now be res- 
cued from desecration, and it has occurred to me that the memory of these gallaiit men might 
be more duly honored and perpetuated by erecting a handsome mbnumerit in the city of Wash 
♦hgton, than Iti the mpnner sug£r^^tPd by Dr. Cardthers. 

I nmnuoned thi< lo th« »acr«mry of War, *ii<4 he «4vl(»fdi m« to writ* to you upon this buI? 



30 PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION 

ject, knowing that you could give the sentiments of the Mexican war veterans. I therefore in- 
vite your attention to this interesting subject. 

Yours, very respectfully. 

OSCAR A. MACK. 
Lieut. Colonel ^\st Infantry, and Brevet Colonel U. 8. A. 

Washington, D. C, February 12, 1875. 
Col. Oscar A. Mock, U. 8. A., War Department, Washington, D. O: 

Colonel : I acknowledge receipt of your note of 5th instant, inclosing an interesting com- 
munication addressed to the Secretary of War b}' Dr. Carothers, in relation to the remains of 
our dead comrades at Monterey and Saltillo, in Mexico, suggesting that a memorial monument 
be erected in the "Campos Santos" of those cities. I fully concur with your views of the sub- 
ject, that the memory of those gallant men will be better perpetuated by the erection of a mon- 
ument at the Capital of the nation, in whose service theylotfered up their lives, than in the man- 
ner suggested by Dr. Carothers, in view of the fact stated by the Consul at Monterey, that "at 
none of the places where there were burials are there now any signs to mark the spot." 

One of the objects for which the survivors of the Mexican war have organized, is stated in. 
the "circular" which called them into existence as a society, as follows : 

********** 

"Second. To rescue from oblivion the memory of their comrades who died and were buried 
on the battle-fields of Mexico, and to procure the official publication, by the Government, of 
their names in a Roll of Honor, and proper care bestowed on their resting place." 

***** ***** 

It is perhaps not practicable to render proper tribute to the memory of these men on the 
soil where they were buried, within the jurisdiction of another government ; nor is it likely, 
after the lapse of so many years, that their remains could be gathered up for burial here in 
their present state of dissolution, 

I think, therefore, that the erection of a suitable monument at the Capital of the United 
States, dedicated to the achievement of American arms in Mexico, and the official publication 
of a Roll of Honor, containing the names of those who died in the performance of duty while 
in Mexico, would be in accordance with the wishes of the survivors. 

I thank the honorable Secretary of War, in behalf of the Association, for the kindly interest 
he has manifested m this direction, and hope he will use his high influence in bringing the 
subject to the attention of Congress at an early day. 

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

J. W. DENVER 
President Association Veterans of 1846, <fec. 

On motion of Col. Schley, the correspondence was referred to a, select com- 
mittee, to recommend such action as might be proper for the Association. 

The Chair appointed as the committee, Col. Schley, (Md.,) Maj. Montgomery, 
(U. S. A..) and Mr. M. D. Montis, (D. C.) 

On motion of Maj. Alex. Montgomery, U. S. A., the following resolution 
was adopted, and referred to the committee above referred to for action : 

Resolved, That in the opinion of this Association, the erection of monuments at Monterey 
and Saltillo, in honor of those American soldiers who fell in the war with Mexico, should be 
postponed until that country shall be annexed to the United States, but that, in the meantime, 
a proper monument ought to be erected near the Capital of the United States. 

Col. Schley moved that when the Association meets again, it be in Philadel- 
phia, on the 4th day of July, 1876, and that Judge T. J. Mackey, of South Caro- 
lina, be the orator of the day. 

Col. Moses moved, as a substitute, that the Association meet in Washington, 
D. C, February 22, 1876, and that Gen. George W. Morgan, of OJiio, be the ora- 
tor of tlie day. 

These motions elicited considerable discussion, in which many of the members 
participated, but on a question of order being raised, tiie Chair held that they 
were improperly introduced, under the rules just adopted for the transaction of 
business, and declared them out of order. 

REPORT OF COMMITTEE TO SELECT DESIGN FOR A BADGE AND SEAL OF THE 
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION. 

Major A. J. Dallas, U. S. A., from the committee appointed by the last Convention, (consist- 
ing of Gen. P. O. Hebert, Gen. Albert Pike, Gen. James Tilton, and H. R. Crosby, esq.,) snb- 
mitted two designs— the first, for a shield, to be worn as a badge by members of the National 
Association of Veterans of the Mexican War ; the second, an oval seal, to be used in impress- 
ing the diploma, &c. 

The first, it was decided by the committee, should be of the size of the design herewith, to 
be worn attached to a ribbon (red, white, and blue) as broad as the greatest width of the shield, 
fastened soperiorly to a bar, on which the words "National Af*sociation of Veterans" should 
be placed, the omitted words, "Mexican War," being replaced by the words foitnd on the 
bf».flgejVi8! "Me»iG0^184ff" Th« ribbpntg b« #ftfitst».*!d td lb« ehi«?ld ew its back by ft velUf, 



OF VETERANS OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 



31 



and the bar to be similarly provided with a pin, to attach the whole to the coat. The material 
sejpctt'd i^ bronze, and thf manner of execution throughout in bas-relief. 

The committee also recommend that Congress be memorialized to make a grant of one or 
mort' pieces of bronz*' artillery to the Association, captured in the Mexican war, for making the 
.shields adopted by them. 

'I'lie report, wa.'^ adopted. 

[NOTK. — Ai"ter the Convention adjourned, and before the close of the session of Congress 
on mv ivqiiest, the Hon. William S. rierndon, of Texas, introdueed a resolution, on the 27th of 
February, in the Hpuse of Representatives, donating cannon for the purposes above indicated. 
As ii ivfjniivd iinanimons consent to have it taken up. the resolution went over on the objection 
of 3lr. Killinger. of Pennsylvania, as reported in the daily papers.— A. M. K.] 





Description of DAdg^e. 

A modified American Shield. The outer 
rim rai.scd from the general surface, and hav- 
ing thereon the names of battles of the Mexi- 
can War, in the order and selection as given 
in the design. The letters to be block. 

1 . Left upper corner, a man-of-war, as given 
in the design : Navy. 

2. Apex of centre, a bursting bomb : Ord- 
nance. 

3. Centre group of arms: Rifle— volunteer 
element ; musket, sabre and pistol— infantry 
and cavalry. 

4. Right upper corner, a field piece : Artil- 
lery. 

5. Directly under group of arms the word 
"Mexic o" in block. 

6. Thereunder a Maguey plant surrounded 
by cactus, emblematic of Alexico. 

7. Thereunder a t'astle : Engineers. 
S. Thereunder the figures " lS4t):'' Date of 

war. 

9. .5. 6, 7 and 8 are surrounded by laurel 
wreath as in design, banded below with three 
folds, bearing on the same the names as given 
in design 

](t. Surrounding the wreath, arranged, as 
given in design, twenty nine five-pointed 
stars : Number of States at date of war. 

REPORT OF AUDITING C0M3IITTEE. 

Col. Koboi't Klotz, of rVim.'^ylvaiiia ; Major A. J. Dalla.?, U. S. A., and M. D, 
Montis, of Washintrton, having been appointed to examine the accounts of thQ 
'rreasnivr aiul Fir.st Secretary, submitted the following, which was adopted : 

Yonr committee beg leave to report that they have duly examined the accounts of thejTreas- 
iiref and Spcretary and find the following condition of affairs in the cape of Mr. A. M. Kenaday, 
»b«i firm Secretary. Thl» officer hfts Vflccived in ths eourae of the yeftr past,, from variouo 



Description of Seal. 

An oval, as given in design. The outer rim 
plainly milled. 

1. Around the inside of rim 29 five-pointep 
stars, equal size, for the number of States in 
1846. 

2. Inside the upper half of circle of stars 
the words arranged as found in design, " Na- 
tional Association of Veterans," in block. 

'^. Directly under centre of foregoing a 
bursting bomb : Ordnance. 

4. Thereunder a castle : Engineers. 

.5. Thereunder a stack of two muskets, with 
saber and cartridge-box, as given in design : 
Infantry and Cavalry. 

tj. Thereunder, as arranged in design, the 
word " Mexico," in block. 

7. Thereunder a foul anchor and artillery 
gun crossed ; Navy and Artillery. 

8. Thereunder the figures "1846.'" 

9. On right of stack a Maguey Plant. 
[NoTK.— When impressed on diploma, to be 

found in relief.] 



32 PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION 

sources, by direct donations and sali? of pamphlets, $569.15. The Secretary ha* expended this 
amount as shown by his vouchers from parties performing the work, and his own voucher for 
postage and incidental expenses, and has beside from his personal funds advanced the sum 
of *;31.()0. 

The Treasurer, Mr. Mcrarthy, received the sum of $fiR.46 by a collection taken up by him at 
Masonic Hall from the Convention in January last. Mr. McCyarthy produces a voucher for 
rent of said Hall of $30.00, leavine: the balance in his hands of $28.46. 

Your committee beg- leave to report that ihey have ascertained that a sura of $10 was ex- 
pended by Mr. P. H. AUabach for cleaning the Metropolitan Church after the meeting of the 
Association therein last winter, and recommend that this amount be allov/ed from the balance 
now in the hands of thf> Treasurer. 

Your Committee, in closing its labors, feel impelled to record their high appreciation of the 
labors of Mr. A. M. Keuaday. in his office. This Association owe to this gentleman a debt of 
gratitude for his close attention to their interests, and the unselfish conduct exhibited by him 
in the transaction of his dulie.^, 

(Signed.) Robert Klotz, ) 

M. D. Montis, > Committee. 
A. J. Dallas. ) 

Judge Martin (Ala.) moved that a committee of tive be appointed to arrange 
for the next meeting of the Association, and to select an oratoi- of the day. 

The motion was adopted, and the Chair appointed the following gentlemen : 
Judge J. J. Martin, of Montgomery, Ala.; Rear Admiral Fabins Stanley, Wash- 
ington, D. C; Gen. E. R. Biles, of Philadelphia ; Gen. Robert B. Mitchell, Kan- 
gas ; Gen. James Craig, St. Joseph, Mo. 

The committee appointed tVom the several States to select ofRcers of the Na- 
tional Association for the ensuing term, reported the following, who Avere unani- 
mously elected : President, GeiK ,J. W. Denver; First Vice President, Gen. John 
Love; Secretary, Alexander M. Kenaday; As,sistant Secretaries : First, Col. Wm. 
L.Schley; Second, Maj. J. F. Huber; Third, Maj. H. A. McGlenen ; Fourth, 
Gen. W. T. Hall; Treasurer, Capt. Samuel V. Niles; Marshal, Gen.E. R. Biles. 

The committee also reconnnend tliat the delegates from each State and Terri- 
tory present be requested to select a Vice President and a member for the Coun- 
cil of Administration for their Sttite, &c., whereupon the roll of States was called 
by Secretary Kenaday, and the following nominations made and approved : [For 
more convenient reference, the list of ofhcers is published on page 5.] 

Col. S. P. Moses moved that the officers of tlieTsTational Association be requested 
to take proper action for obtaining necessary legislation to secure the right of 
domicil at the Soldier's Home for aged and needy veterans of the Mexican war. 
Adopted. 

Mr. James S. Dawson, N. Y., ofl^ered the following preamble and resolution, 
which were agreed to : 

Whereas maBiy deserving mechanics and others of the veterans of the Mexican war are now 
out of employment, and whereas we believe it to be a. just rule that, those who have faithfully 
served their country in the array or navy, and have been honorably discharged, should be en- 
titled to precedence in the matter of employment by the Government ; therefore 

Resolved, That the officers of the Government are hereby respectfully requested in the dis- 
pensation of the patronage and employment, to give the A^eterans of the Mexican war the con- 
sideration which is their due and which tiie necessitous circumstances of many of their number 
urgently require. 

A resolution prevaiierl directing the President, Secretary and Fii'st Assistant 
Secretary to ascertain tiie cost of liaving the necessary work done in executing 
the badges required for the members of this Associntion. and they be also author- 
ized, in the name of the Asisociation, to apply by bill to Congress for the donation 
of bronze cannon for the material for this purpose. 

On motion of Col. Robert Klotz, (Pa.) it was resolved that a committee be ap- 
pointed to wait upon the Pension C'ommittee of the Senate and House of Repre- 
sentatives and urge action uj)on the memorial and bill pending in the interest of 
the veterans of tlie Mexican war. 

In this connection, Capt. S. N. Hoyt (Colorado) moved that the same commit- 
tee tender, on behalf of the Association, its thiinks to the members of the House 
Invalid Pension Committee who signed the minority report. 

After some remarks by other members complimentary to members of the Pen- 
sion Committee, and particularly to Hon. T. T. Crittenden, of Missouri, ])v^ whom 
the minority report was presented, the motion was unanimoti^ly adopted > The 
Gbaiv appointed as said Committee, Qim, S* F. Hfc;int«tJlman.j Qmi, H«?ury S« LaB«j^ 



OF VETERANS OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 33 

(;en. M. 1). Mausou, (ol. Robert Klotz, Col. Wni. Limi Tidhall and Col. Win. 
L. Sdiley.. 

On in(»tion of ('apt. S. N. HOYT, it was 

Resolved, That Ui»i tlmnks ol the Association are eminently due and are herel»y tendered to 
the Hon. liichanl C WcCorniick, lJele<;at»:! Ironi Arizona, for bringinfc to the attention of Con- 
gress a j)ropo.sition to ei-ect a siuiiulile monument to the memory of Gen, Zachfiry Taj'lor, for 
his services in the Mexican War. 

("ol. \\. L. 'I'lJjiiAlJ. moved that tM'ojnniittce of tln-«H'l)e appointed to revise the 
( (tnslitntion and Iiy-La\\< of the As.^ociation and report at the next nieeting;. 
Ad<>pte(l, and Ww follow iiii;' iicntlenien w eit^ apjjointed : ("Ol. W. L. Tidball, Jud^e 
'1. .1. Mackey and Cen. M. i). >hins<.n. 

(ien. John j.oN'E, of ln«haiia, otfeivd the following; lesolntion : 

Heaolved, That an Kxccutive Comniitlee of three meml)ers, residing? in Washinj^tan, be aj)- 
|u)iMti'«l by tlif Chair, with lull jiowcr to raise the necessar>' funds for the u.se of the Assoeia- 
lion, liv assi'sMut'Mi on ilu- States or olht-rwife, as in tlieir discretion may be ))est, and that all 
di>liiii>('iii(Uls lif made by ihcir oiil'-r. 

I'he I'KKSIDKNT appointed Major General S. P. lleintzlenian. Captain Samuel 
\'. Niles and M. I). Montis, Estj., as said eommittee. 

.MaJ. A. MoNTCJOMKKY moved that the Finance Committee open a subscription 
\\u\\ t(» defi-ay the expenses of the Association, and that tlu' meml)ers )>resent be 
invited to sul)scril)e before adjournment. 

Col. Klotz, of J'ennsylvania, Col. Campbell, of Kentucky, President Denver, 
and olhei's. favon'd Maj(»i' .Montiiomeiy's proposition. 

( ol. ScilLKY and otbei's. howevei-, oi»j«M:'ted to the resolution, on the ground that 
many of the deleitates had left the Hall, and it would not result in equitable tax- 
aiion. and that it miuht. lead to eml)arrassment ; whereup(»n it Wiis deciiled to 
lt;i\<' the whole matter ^vith the committee just a|)i)oiuted. 

( ol. I'lDBALl^ moved that the next annual meeting of the Association be held 
ill I'liiladelphia on the 4th day of July. 1870. 

A member suggested as an auKMidment. Ihat the A.ssociation hold two meetings 
in IS7(;: one ar NVasbington. <»n the 22d of February, and the other in Philadel- 
phia, on the 4th of July ; and that ("ol. 1>. S. Johnston, of Cleorgia. be a{)}K)irited 
orafoi- foi- the meeting at Washington, and Cren. (Jeorge \V. Morgan, orator ot the 
day for the UMM'ting at Philadelphia. 

Anotiier suggestion was made that Judge Mackey. of South ("arolina. be selected 
a< the orator at \\a>hingtou. and (ien. Lew. \Vallace. of Indiana, (H-ator tor the 
l^hiladelphia nu'ciinu. 

.h'DCJK Mahtin called atttution. in the midst of this running-lire of motions 
and >ngge>tions. to tlie fad of recurd that a conuniltee had l)een appointed to se- 
lect a time aiid plac«' for the next annual meeting, and also an orator of the day : 
and ivmaiked that as ililVerent limes uud j)laces foi- the meeting, and ditferent in- 
(Uviduals for orator of the day. had been suggeste(|. it would be impossible for the 
ei>imnittet' to dischaigr iho>f (hiiiiv- acceptalily if tliey wei-e oldigeil to repoit at 
the j)it'>en! meeting-. 

'riil< jemark gaxc rise to eonsiderable discussion, in which (ien. T^ove. Judge 
M.'tckey. ('ol. Schley and >everal otiiers took ])art ; it being insisted by some of 
ihe speakers that the Ass«»ciation could iletennine uow the titne ami i)lace for the 
next regular assend)laii(*. 

'I'lie several amendments t(» (■(•!. Tidball*- nudion weiv then voted upon. in 
tlieir regular order, and each lost by a dt'cided majority. 

In the further dix-ussion of the original motion a lively del)ate ensued, dunng 
which several other amendment^ wt'i'e v||ou(..;red l>ut not formally submitted. 

At length (ien. J<»nx Love olfe red a sub.-titute, which was accepted by Col, 
'ridl)all, ami afterwards adopted by the Association, to wit : 

Mexulrcd, That I lie next annual meetiu;;- b^ held in Philadelphia on the 4th of July, IS?"?^; 
iliat t le odiciTs of the Assooiatiou meet in Washiui-ton on the •22d of February of the same 
.f^ai, t) further ih.- interests of the Vetenius : and Ihat thi' Commitlee to select, an orator for 
lie Ufxt uu'iMin^ of ilu- A>s()ciaiiou. re))ori their si-li'ciion to the nieeliuf:; of orticers in Wash- 

lligCOU. 

(Jn the motion of Secretary Kknadav. the thanksof the Association were voted 
U) the public spirited host of Willard's Hotel, for the generoui use of his opera- 
house, -'Willaid Hall."' f(»r the meetings of tht^ A^^sociat'on the oa-^t two da.ys. 



34 PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION 

On motion of Capt. A. R. French, a collection was taken np to defray the 
expense of cleaninoj tlie floors of the hall. |The collection netted $22.40, of which 
$20.00 was appropriated for that purpose.] 

On motion, the Press of Washington City and of the country generally, were 
voted the thanks of the National Association foi- the sense of justice usually per- 
vading the notices given the public of the efiorts of the Veterans to secure recog- 
nition of their services at the hands of Congress. 

The day being far spent, and the Hall having been jireviously engaged for the 
evening by other parties, the business for whi<'h tlie delegates had convened was 
hastily terminated. Many of them had come from remote distances, at great 
expense and some sacritice of comfort, and they desired to return by the evening- 
trains to their loved ones at home. During the session the debate had been spir- 
ited, but good-natured zeal was its genei-al characteristic. If any shreds of acri- 
mony lingered in the minds of those who wiangled in debate, at the close they 
were promptly knitted up for use elsewhere, when the Piesi<lent arose and an- 
nounced that Judge Mackey would read Theodore O'Hara's beautiful poem, ''The 
Bivouac of tlie Dead,'- which was composed for, and read at the dedication of 
Kentucky's monument to her gallant sons who fell in the Mexican war. The 
eloquent Carolinian (the youngest delegate present, perhaps, having served in 
the Palmetto Kegiment when a mere lad ) rendered this popular poem with melo- 
dious accent and scholarly discretion, the appreciative listeners meanwhile stand- 
ing in their places as if spell-bound by the reader's eloquence, repressing their 
enthusiasm till the close, wlien it burst forth hearty and rapturous. 
President Denver then came forward and said : 

Comrades : With the termination of your labors the time has arrived for us to 
sei)arate, and again to return to our homes. Our meeting has been characterized 
by the best of feeling. I trust that you may all live to see many such meetings, 
for it cheers and strengthens the heart to meet those with whom we have passed 
througii dangers and trials long years ago. The achievements of the Ameiican 
army in Mexico were accomplished for the most pait by young men. The spirit 
of adventure then aroused, afterwards carried our comrades to every part of the 
habitable globe, irntold toils and exposures followed, drawing along in their 
trains disease and death. Many, very many of the brave spirits whose hearts 
never quailed in fa(-e of the enemy, on the tield of battle, have gone to their long- 
homes, and the twenty-eight years that have i)assed since we were niai'shalled oii 
the soil of Mexico have left their impress on all who are living. Our country has 
been called on to give recognition of yom- services ; services unsm-passed in the 
magnitude of theii- results to the whole people, and the glory of our arms, by any 
other army in modern times. It cannot be possible that your ai)peal will remain 
long unheeded by Congress. By your exeitions the boundaries of our country 
were carried across the Rocky moimtains and the magnificence of the Pacitic 
coast was develoi)ed and utilized. From these accessions have ai'isen States and 
Territories sutficient of themselves for a vast emi)ii-e. These are constantly re 
minding the country of your achievements. How, then, is it i)ossil)le for Con- 
j^-ress to leave your memorial unanswered i* It cannot be long. We have the 
name unbounded faith in oiu* country noAV that A\e had Avlien in the days of our 
youth we sprang to arms at her call. 

Since our first nieeting a year ago, we liave had to mourn the death of several 
of Our comravles. Our iiext meeting will be at Philadelpliia on the occasion of 
the centennial anniversary of oui* independence as .i nation. 1 sincerely trust 
and pray that a l»ind Providence will permit you all to m- present on that grand 
occasion in the eujoynient of good health. Until then, comrades, farewell I Ii 
onlj^ remains for me to declare that the Association now stands adjourned in ae- 
eordanc*^ with the resolution just passed. 




Forwarded by A. M. KENAOAY, Secy. &c . Lock Box 37. Washington. D. C. 

IS\ -'M'"- 




CENTKNMAL REUNION' 



IST'atioiial ^ssocial ion 



"^etciaiifj of: the ^ijexicau 1p»i% 

PHILADELPHIA, JULY 4. 1876, 



CONT^INIHG 



i Names of Survivors Present; Reports of Officers ; Oration of Gen. Thos. 
i T. Crittenden— An Interesting H istorieal Sketch of the "War 

j of '46; Iniportant Decision of tlie Interior De- 

partnientin Relation to Bounty Land 
Claims; Officers Elected; 
and Other Matters 
of Interest. 




PllEPARHl) AND PUBLISHED BY, 

ALEXANDER M. KEN AD A V, 

First Seci'etary. 



(Price Optional.— -SVe Circular Letter of /•i*'ance Committee, ;>. 3.) 



WASHINGTON: 

CDNNINGHAM & BRA8HEARS, PRINTERS. 

1876. 



«r- 



■o«qilWP-o-. 




How to Cleanse Your Medal and Preserve its Brilliancy. 

If your medal becomes badly discolored, wash first with alcohol; then mix a solution of one= 
fourth water to three-fonrths sulphuric acid (commonly called oil of vitriol;) wash this solu- 
tion off with cold water. To preserve the brilliancy of the metal and prevent rust, make- 
solution of four-fifths of rectified spirits turpentine and one fifth of oil varnish— rub the 
mixtiire over the metal with a sponge. 

Badge Riebox.— The Committee have on hand a surplus quantity of tp.i-color ribbon 
which they would like to utilize. Members so situated that they cannot renew their badge- 
ribbons at the stores where they reside, can have a new piece of the proper length forwarded 
by mail if they tnclose three postage stamps (or 10 cent stamp) to the Secretary, Lock Box 
37, Washington, D, C The large amount of correspondence reqixired of the Secretary 
necessitates this method of covering the expense involied. 

Medals Electro-plated ix Gold. — Many members have written to the Secretary inquir- 
ing the cost of electro-plating their medals in gold. The work can be done here in the best 
style of the art, and returned to the owners with new ribbon, at two dollars each. The- 
medal can be sent bj' mail, if wrapped securely in paper, and tied with a string, (but not 
sealed or pasted,) at a cost of three cents. Electro-plaiing in s^ilver w-ould cost $l.5(t. 



PARDON FOR CERTAIN DESERTERS. 

It will be remembered ihat after the war was virtually over ihe discovery of gold on the 
Pacific coast prodn 'ed considerable demoralization among the soldiers on duty in California 
and Oregon. They had served faithfully throughout the war, but the temptation to "dig a 
fortune in a few days" was too much for very manj' of the soldiers, and they cleared out to 
the mines in large numbers. Of course Ihey stand as "deserters" on the rolls of the War 
l)epartment, unless Congress in its generosity relieves them. It is hoped the peculiar 
circumstances surrounding these cases of desertion will influence members of Congress in 
supporting House Bill No. 3961, introduced by Mr. Luttrell, of California, on the 24th of 
July, and now beforf» the Committee of 'iMilitary Affairs. It proposes to give an honorable 
discharge from the service from the date of desertion, and relieves them of any i)enalty in- 
curred thereby, under existing laws. 



THEEE MONTHS' EXTRA PAY TO MEXICAN VETERANS WHO 
HAVE NOT YET RECEIVED THE SAME. 

Hon. H. Y. Riddle, M. C, of Tennessee, introduced last March the following bill, which 
passed the House of Representatives on the first of July, and it is hoped will pass the Senate 
this winter and become a law. Those volunteers and regulars who were discharged from service 
after the 19th of July, 1S48, are presumed to have received this extra pay, but doubtless many 
of those discharged prior to that date never made application: 
A BILL to authorize the Secretary of the Treasury to pay to officers and soldiers engaged in 

the war with Mexico, the three months' extra pay provided for by the act of July nineteenth 

eighteen hundred and forty-eight. 

Be it enacted by the Senate and House, &e., That the Secretary of the Treasury be, and he 
is hereby directed, out of any moneys in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, to pay to 
officers and soldiers "engaged in the military service of the United States in the war with 
Mexico, and who served out the time of their engagement, or were honorably discharged," 
the three months' extra pay provided for bj' the act of July nineteenth, eighteen hundred and 
forty-eight, in all cases, upon the presentation of satisfactory evidence that said extra com- 
pensation has not been previously received. 



The act of July 29, 1S5S, (which was repealed in 1870,) to which the foregoing bill referso. 
provides that officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians and privates, engaged in the 
military service of the Unit»=d States, and who have served out the term of their engagement 
or have been honorably discharged: And, first, to the widows; second, to the children; thirds 
to the parents: and fourth, to the brothers and sisters of si;ch who have been killed in the 
battle, or who died in service, or who have been honorably discharged, have since died, or may 
hereaiter die without receiving the three months' pay herein provided for, shall be entitled to 
receive three months' extra pay. 



T@ Bffi@il»Ti© V@iWe«1riiP.S m mUMQ^U WAR. 

It is known that there are on file in the Treasury Department large numbers of unsettled? 
claims of mounted volunteers for horses and equipments, lost while in the n.ilitary service 
during the Mexican war. Should this paragraph attract the attention of any comrade whO' 
has such unsettled account against the Government, it migh t be to his advaniai ^ to corres- 
pond with the Secretary on the subject. 



^CENTENNIAL REUNION" 



USTational -A.ssociatioii 

OF 

'fiderans of the Mjxwan iiJ^r, 

PHILADELPHIA, JULY i, 1876, 



CONTAINING 



Name© of Survivors Present; Reports of Officers; Oration of Gen. Thos, 

T. Crittenden— An Interesting Historical Sketch of the W^r of '4.0; 

Proposed Bill to Pension the Survivors, with the Admirable 

Report of the House Committee Thereon ; Innportant 

Decision of the Interior Department in Relation 

to Bounty I_«nd Claims; Officers Elected; 

ajad Oiher Matters of Interest. 



PKEPAKED AND rUBLISHEI) BY 

ALEXANDER M. KENADAV, 

ITirst ^secretary. 



(Price Optional.— 6'ee Circular Letter of Finance Committee, p. 3.) 



WASHINGTON: 

CDNWWfOHAM * BRA8HBARS, f^ytajZUfi, 

1876, 



i^crs 0/1 % Wati0tial %,nncicmi\on. 



President: James W. Denver, Washington D. C. 
1st Vice President: John Love Indianapolis, Ind. 
First Secretary: Alex. M. KeNADAY, Lock Box 37, Washington, DC. 
Treasurer, S. V. Ktles, V^ ashington, D. C; Marshal, E. K. Biles, Phila ,Pa. 
Assistant Secretaries, W. L. Schley, Baltimore, Md.; H. A. MeGlenen, Boston, Massachu- 
setts; S. G. Swan, Henderson, Texas. 
Financial Committee: S. P. Heintzelman, (Maj. Gen. U. S. A.,) S. V. Niles, and M. D 
Montis, Washington, D. C. 

U. S. Abmy.— Jefferson C. Davis, tivt. Maj. 
General U. S. A., V. P., Omaha; Bery. 
Alvord, Paymaster Gen. U. S. A., C. of A., 
Washington, D. C. 

U. S. Navy — Stephen C Rowan, Eear Ad- 
miral, U. S. N., V. P., N. Y.; Fabius Stan- 
ley, Rear Admiral, U. S. N., C. of A., Wash- 



ington, D. C. 

Alabama.— John R. Coflfey, V. P., Fackler; 
A. J. Huggins, C. of A., Scottsborough. 

Arkansas,— J. F. Fagan, V. P., Little Rock; 
Edward J. Brooks, C. of A., Muscogee, 
Indian Territory, 

California —Richard P. Hamrcond, V. P., 
San Francisco; S. O. Houghton, C of A., 
San Jose. 

Colorado.— Wm. Gilpin, Denver; S. M. 
Logan, C. of A., Denver. 

Connecticut. — Levi Woodhouse, V. P., 
Hartford; Justin Hodges, C. of A., -Riverside 

DiST Columbia.- J. W. Denver, V. P., Wash- 
ington; Albert Pike, C. of A., Washington. 

Georgia.— George S. Fisher, V. P., Augusta; 
D.ivid S. Johnson, C, of A., Madison. 

Illinois.— C. H. Kettler, V. P., Belleville; 
S. W. Smith, C of A., Monmouth. 

Indiana.— Henry S. Lane, V. P., Crawfords- 
ville; Mahlon D. Manson, C. of A. Craw- 
fordsville. 

Iowa.— I. W. Griffith, V. P., Des Moines; 
Josiah Given, C. of A., Des Moines. 

Kansas.— E. N, O. Clough, V. P., Leaven- 
worth; J. R. McClure, C. of A., Junction 
City. 

Kentucky.— W. T. Ward, V. P.. Louisville ; 
T. W. Campbell. C. of A., Bowling Green. 

Louisiana.— G Mason Graham, V. P., Alex- 
andria; P. O. Hebert, C. of A., New Orleans. 

Maryland— Joseph H. Ruddoch, V. P., Bal- 
timore; John T. Gray, C. of A., Baltimore. 

Massachusetts —Isaac H. Wright. V. P., 
Boston; Stephen Hoyt, C. of A., Salem. 

Michigan.— Alpheus S. winiams, V. P., De- 
troit: Daniel McConnell, C. af A,, Grand 
Rapids. 



Minnesota.— Edmund Rice, V. P., St. Paul; 
Francis Peteler, C. of ■\., Minneapolis. 

Mississippi —Beverly Matthews, V. P., Col- 
umbus; Claiborne Farrish, C. of A., Wood- 
ville. 

Missouri.— L. C. Easton, V. P., St. Louis; 
Jonas J. Clark, C. of A„ Chilicothe. 

Nevada— W. W. McCoy, V. P., Eureka; W. 
Frank Stewart. C of A.^ Virginia City. 

New HAMrsHiRE— T. p. Pierce, V. P. 
Nashua, George Bowers C. of A. do. 

New Jersey.— Chas. Bowers.V. P., Newark; 
James E. Nuttman, C. of A,, do. 

New York,— Ward B. Burnett, V. P., New 
York; M. H. Mills. C of A., Mt. Morris. 

North Carolina— O. R. Smith, V. P., 
Raleigh; E. Cantwell, C. of A., Wilming- 
ton. 

Ohio —George W. Morgan, V. V.,M< \mt Ver- 
non; C. N. Allen, C of A.,Ste»ibenville. 

Oregon.— E. IIamilton,V. P., Portland; John 
W.Egan, C. of A., do. 

Pennsylvania.— Robert Klotz, V. P., Mauch 
Chunk; C. F. Sargent, C. of A. Phila. 

Rhode Island.— A. E. Burnside, V. P., The 
Capitol; Nelson Viall, C. of A., Provi- 
dence. 

South Carolina.- R. G. M. Dunovant, V. 
P., Edgefield; W. B. Stanley, C. of A., 
Columbia 

Tennessee— Gideon J. Pillow, V. P., Mem- 
phis; Leon Truesdale, C. of A. Nashville. 

Texas.— S. B. Ufaxer, V. P., The Capito^l; 
G. H. Giddines. C. of A., Bretiham. 

Virginia.— Robert G. Scott, V. P., Richmond; 

B. D. Harmon, C. of A., Staunton. 
Washington Ter.— James Tilton, V. P. 

Seattle; Granville O. Haller, C. of A., Coupe- 
ville. 

West Virginia.— G. a. Porterfield. V. P. 
Charleston; M. L. Dorn, C. of A., Martins- 
burg. 

WISCONSIN.— A, A. Meredith,V. P., Madison; 

C. R. Johnson, C, of A., Black River 
Falls. 



%i$i 4 MjL^tnhtTS Ipititsctit. 



Those marked with a » have no record of service on file with the Secretary. 

tJ. S. Army: Jefferson C Davis, 3d Indiana Inf. 

U. S. Navy: A. J. Dallas, (Major, U. S. A.,) Midshipman, U. S. N 

California: Emil Loeven, 2d N.Y. Inf; William W iloox, 5th 111. Inf; Robert D'Estiroanville, 
10th Inf; VVilliam Woolley.lst N. Y. Inf; Edwaid Parks, 3d La. Inf; Hiram A. Curtis, 3d 
(diio Inf; Georges. Kvans, 11th Texas Rangers; George Bingham, 2d Pa. Inf; Geoi'ge W 
Ross, Navy; David H. Shaw. 2d Ohio Inf; Francis Rooney, Wavy; *Samuel i>awlins; Jas. 
W. Baldwin, Va. Inf. 

Canada: Abraham Defayette, 2d Inf. 

CoLOitAUO: Samuel M. Logan, 3d Inf. ' 

District of Columbia: James W. Denver, Captain 12th Inf; S. V. Niles, Lt. IGth Inf; Alex- 
ander M. Kenaday, 3d La. Inf, and 3d U. S. Drag; Daniel Smith, 2d Md. and i). C. Inf; 
Jo^hua Chirfe, Ist Md. and I). C. Inf; Edward Johannes, Q. M. D«^pt; Nathan H. Robbins, 
5th Texa.s Cav; Benjamin K. West, 2d Lt. 2d Md. and D. C. Inf; Thomas T. Crittenden, 2d 
Lt. 3d Mo. Cav; Samuel N. Hoyt. 5tli 111 Inf. 

Georgia: William T. W offord, Geo. Cav. 

Illinois : John M. Gill, 4th 111. Inf; Henry Lash, 4th 111. Inf. 

Indiana: John Love, Bvt. Capt. ist Drag; John L, Tyler, 3d Art. 

Iowa: Nicholas Greusel. Capt. Michigan Inf; William P. Kurd, 5th Indiana Inf, Clinton 
Jackson. Uiih Inf; Thomas (- Scott, La. Cav; E, Bogardus, Capt. Uth Inf. 

Kentucky: Samuel P. Barbee, 2d Ky. Inf. 

Louisiana: *i£dward Roes; James C. Downer, Capt. 7th La. Inf; Andrew Walker, 1st Ark. 
Cav, 

Makvland: William L. Schley, Sgt. Maj. 3d Drag; Ferdinand Schultz, M Drag; William F. 
Perry, Jd Lt Marine Corps; J. H, Ruddach, Ist Lt. 1st Md. and D. C Inf; Louis F Beeler, 
Ist Md. and D. C Inf: John G. Fury. 2d Md. and D. C. Inf; Ross Johnson, Navy; Francis 
Merritt. Navy; Tha<ldeu3 Kellv, 1st Md. and D. C. Inf; John Taylor, IGth Inf; James Reilly, 
1st M.I. and D. C. Inf 

MASSACiiirsETTS: Henry A. McGlenen. Mass. Inf; Charles E Hiss, 2d Teun. Inf; Charles F. 
Dodge, Ordnance Dept; John II. Jackson. Capt. 9th lof; Ozius Rayner, Mass. Inf 

MicuKfAN: Thomas B W. Stockton. Col. 1st Mich. Inf; Norton B. Rowley. Mich. Inf; Joseph 
Salkeld, 2d Alt; Charles W, Sandford, Mich. Inf; Daniel McConnell, 10th Inf; William B. 
White, r.ih lud. Inf; Kredenck W. Curtenius, Capt. Mich. Inf; Alpheus s Williams, Lt. Col. 
Mich. Inf 

Minnesota: Lafaj;ette II. Bunnell, Mich. Inf. 

Mississiri'i: Thomas P. Young, Tenn. Cav. 

Missouri *J. S. Warmolh 

Nevada: Edwin A. Sherman, 8th Inf; Clark Potter, 1st Ind. Inf; William Cradlebangh, 2d 
Ohio Inf 

New Jersey: Stephen W. Markwood, Mtd. Rifles, John Swain, 2d Pa. Inf; Francis D.Clark, 
l8tN. Y. Inf; James ENuttman, 1st N. Y.lnl; Stephen TTownsend, 2d and 10th La. Inf; 
Charles Bowers, 5lh Inf. 

Nbw York: Reuben B Landon, 1st 111. Inf; Myron H. Mills, A. A. Surer. Mo. Vols; *W. L. 
lidball, * William Colligan,*C. W. M. leanard, *William Wade, *Henry Roscoe, *John 
Vickeis, *Tlioraas Shipton, J. s. Dawson. Navy, *William H. Maxwell, *John J. Laadgran, 
»J. X. Wiler, *S. S. Swinger, *S. Meehn. 



6 LIST OF MESVTBEBS PRESENT, 

KoBTH Cakolina: R. a. Jones, ISth Int'; James Rellly, 2(1 Art. 

Ohio: Joha Conwell, 5th Inf; G. W. Gibbs, 2(1 Pa. Inf; George W. McCook, Lt. Col. 3d Ohio 
Inf; * William Higgms 

Pennsylvania: Edsvin R. Biles, Sgt. Maj. 4th Art; Robert Klotz. Lt. and Aclj't 2d Pa. Inf; 
Chirles B. Mowrv. 1st Pa. Inf: Ephraim N. Banks, 6th Jnf; Wilson B. Connor, Ist Pa. Inf; 
Edward Atkins Ist Pa. Inf; Wil'iam Willis, 2d Pa. Inf; Joseph M. Kinkea(3, Ist Pa. Inf; 
Henry Fisher. Ist Pa. Inf; William H. Hope, 7th Inf; Daniel Nagle, 1st Pa. Inl; Joseph 
HUeraan, 2(1 Pa. Inf; Charles W. i»iven, 2d Pa. Inf; John Blocher, Ist Pa Inf; *A. J, Proud, 
♦Patrick McDonald, *Robert Carter, *John Jacoby, *Enoch Tnomas; William Babe, N. J. 
Inf; * William J Mackey; J. Jacob OsVandel, 1st Pa. Inf; *John H. Johnson, *Ja8 yhartden, 
•William Ward; ChaunceyF. Sargent, 2d Pa. Inf; R. E.W^inslow, Ist Pa. Inf; *Ja8 «;ross- 
man; m.. l. Taylor, 1st Pa. Jnf: Thomas T. Mahan, Va. Jnf; W. K. Blain, 2d Pa. Inf; *D W 
Morriss, *Orlando Lake, *Henrv Kimmell; Charles H. Mjers, 6th Inf; B. D. Bernhard, lai 
Pa. Inf; Daniel Capehart, 2d Pa^ Inl; Jacob Adler, 4th Ohio Inf; John Bechtel, 2d Pa. loi; 
William Boyd. 1st i enn Inf; Thomas G. Funston, let na. Inf; Orlando B Grifllth. 2d Lieut, 
lethlnf; Robert Cochran 3d Drag; Theodore W Dunham, 2dN. Y. Inf.; John i>olman, Ma- 
rine corps; William H. Gray. 1st Lieut, lUh Inf; Hugh Kerr, 1st Art; David B. MoKibben, 
Maj. 2d Art; Anthony H Reynolds, 2d Lieut. N. J. Inf; John Roach, Va.Inf; J. McCredy, 
Va. Inf; Lewis Mvere, 3d Drag; James Moan, M Drag; William N. Shultz.lst Pa. Inf; Jno 
■Spear, N. J. Inf; Joseph C 'Ja\ lor, 1st Pa. Inf; Parmenas T. 'I urnley, 2d Lieut 1st Inf; Robt 
Wallace, Va. Inf; David P. Weaver, Eng'r Corps; lieorge Moore, Lt, 1st Pa. Inf 

.*JOUTH Carolina: William B. Stanley, Ist Lt. S C Inf; Henry W. Wienges, S C Inf; George 
Oppel, 4tb Art. 

Tennessee: Ben F. Egan, 2d Lt. 4th Ky. Inf; William J. Smith, Tenn. Rangers; Rob't Hum- 
phreys, luh Inf; J. C. Wright, 4th Tenn Inf. 

Texas: Thomas S. Deaderick, Ist Texas Cav; W. A. Mason, 13th Inf; William M. Bush, Indt 
Ky. Inf; Hogaa Witt, 6th Texas Cav; J. E. S. Russell, 5tti Mo. Cav; Leonidas Wilson, 8d 
Texas Cav; M. D. Cooper. Ttnn. Cav; Thomas J Towney, 3d Texas Cav; A. J. Nicholson, 
l9t Texas Cav; John M Massay, N c Inf; Gary Watson, 3d J exas Cav; Thomas Hobbs, 5th 
Texas Cav; P. M. Price, 3d Texas Cav; Joseph Brittea, 3d Texas Cav; James M. Barton, 
2nd Texas Cav; James B Gaut,2d Texas Cav; John E. Anderson, 2d Texas Cav; R. R. Hol- 
ton, 2J Texas Cav; B. F. McCarty, Ky. Cav; George W. Goodwin, 1st "Hiss Inf; Hiram C 
Gray, Tenn Cav; Samuel Robinson, 3d Tenn Inf; Lewis J Bailev, Geo. Cav; vv. M Chenault, 
6th Texas Cav; Lafayette Norman, 5ih Tenn Inf; William Wells, Ala. Cav; John H I'aciel, 
6th Texas Cav; Isaiah Weston, 3d 111. Inf; Samuel C. Haile, Tenn Cav; Ernst C, C. Dreys,9e 
Ord. Dept; xvbiierB Sherwood, 5tliTesas Cav; Thomas J. Ferguson, let Tenn. Inf; J. M 
Kincaid, 2d Texas Cav; George A Wilson, 8th Texas Cav; Robert Foster, 8th Texaa Cav; 
William Bohls, 7th Texas Cav; Abraham Harris, Sth Inf; J. B. Pelham, 2d Texas Cav; Win- 
Kate H. Woodlev, 2d Texas Cav; Albert H. Rippetoe, 2d Lt. 4th Ala. Inf; Absalom M Sauls, 
2d Lt. 1st Geo. inf; Archer B. Johnson, 2d III. Inf; T. Jefferson Peak, Ky. Cav; James \. 
McQueen. 2d Miss. Inf; A. K. Van Sickle, 2d Texas Cav; Ephraim McLean, Lt. Col. 4tfa 
Texas luf; S. G Swan, Tenn. Cav; George Adams, 4th Ala. Inf; Henry Seeligson, 4thTextj8 
Inf; AuguBtiu J. Byrd, 3d Drag; Ralph L. Graves, Asst. Surg; W. J. W. Hanson, 2d Ga. 
Inf; Greenberry H. Maxey, lat Tenn. Inl; George H. Giddings, Sth Texas Cav. 

Virginia; James F. Milligan, Mid. U S Navy: J. FuUerton. Navy. John Topping, 10th Inf; 
Alexander Smith, 4th Art; James O. Moss, Va. Inf; * William Merritt; John L, Bedette, 
10th La. Inf. j 

WBiT ViKQiNLi; Martin L. Dom, 2d N. T. Inf. 

WMCONBiw; Henry Kempell, 10th infc 



SYNOPSIS OF PROCEEDINGS OF THE MEETING OF OFFICERS, 

WASHINGTON, D. C, FEBRUARY 32, 1876. 



The meoting of officers of the National Association took place on the 22d of 
February, 187G, in accordance with the resolution of the convention of 1875. 
Thirty-one States and the Army and Navy were represented by their respective 
officers or duly appointed proxies. The selection of an orvtor FOR THE CEiSi- 
TENNIAL MEETING was the first business considered. The committee char ^.ed 
with this duty reported their non-success in obtainin*^ thu services of either Grea. 
K. Patterson or Gen. G. W. Mor^jjan, wlio had been solicited to perform tliis duty. 
The correspondence with those gentlemen was read. 

Tlie committee was discharged and the convention went into committee of the 
whole to nominate an orator, resulting in the naming of three gentlemen from 
whom the President was authorized to select. [Tiie President subsequently 
selected Gen. Thomas T. Crittenden, of Washington, D. C] 

COMMITTEE OP ARRANGEMENTS. 

Col. W, L. Schley, of Maryland, addressed the meeting urging the importance 
')f having an active, energetic committee in charge of the general arran2:ementa 
of the Centennial meeting to be held in Philadelphia on the 4t;h of July, and 
moved that the President be authorized to appoint such committee. Tlie Presi- 
dent, after consultation, announced the following as the committee to liave fall 
authority in the premises: Col. Wm. Louis Schley, Chairman; Col. Joseph H. 
Ruddoch, Baltimore, Md.; General Oden Bowie, Baltimore, Md.: Colonel Robert 
Klotz, Pennsylvania; Captain Wm. J. Mackey, Pennsylvania. 

FINANCES— TRANSPORTATION, ETC. 

Capt. S. V. Niles, Treasurer, and member of Finance Committee, reported 
receipts from assessments by the Finance Committee and disbursements to date. 
[The receipts in detail will be found further along in the Secretary's and 
Treasurer's reports.] 

The Secretary read correspondence had with Colonel Thomas A. Scott of the 
Texas Pacific Railway, and C. P. Huntington, Esq., of the Central Pacific Rail- 
road, in regard to free transportation of veterans to the Centennial Celebration. 
Referred to Committee of Arrangements. 

THE MEDAL BADGES. 

Pi-esident Denver on behalf of the Committee on the Medal Badges, struck 
in accordance with the design adopted by the National As.sociation, reported the 
means adopted to enable the Committee to fulfill their duties. He said it was 
deemed very important to have this insignia of membership distributed prior to 
the meeting in Philadelphia, in order to distinguish membttrs from iniposters 
who would be likely to assume the character of "veterans" for the .sake oi ob- 
taniing privileges from railroad companies and the centennial aiitiiorities. The 
Fre.>icint and Secretary had visited Philadelphia and made arrangements with 
the Director of the Min.t to engrave the die and strike the medals in that estab- 
lishment. The following letter had been sent to President Grant : 

WASHINOroN, D. (.'., November ith, 1875. 
Gen. U. S. Grant, President of the United States: 

I'he uu(ier^i<ncd have ttie iionor to iueitc the attetitiou of your Excellency to the eng'-ared 
frontiapiLC •> of ihe pamphlet lierewith enclosed, showinjf the desi>?a of si bad^e sidopled i>y the 
delcKateii represeutinj? aurviviux soldiei'd aad sailors of the Mexican war, at their annual meet- 
Lo^ Lu ttus cuy la v'ebruary last. A detAiisd description of t^m proposed badge, with tiie 



8 PRELIMINARY MEETING OP MEMBERS AT PHUiADELPttlA/ 

names of the committee submitting it, will be found on pp. 30 and 31 of the book. It Is to b« 
the insignia of membership of the National Association, and is intended to commemorate 
some of the historical events of the Mexican war. The engraving of the die and the casting 
of the medals has been undertaken by Dr. H. R. Linderman, Director of the U. 8. Mint, under 
a law of Congress authorizing work of this character. 

Last Winter, during the closing days of ihe42d Congress, a resolution was submitted to the 
House of Representatives donating four pieces of bronze cannon captured ftom the Mexican 
forces, to be used in fabricating the proposed medals; but consideration of the resolution re- 
quired unanimous consent, under the rules of the House, and a single objection (probably 
given unadvisedly) carried the subject over the time of the session . 

Frequent inquiries have been made of the undersigned committee in regard to when these 
medals will be ready for distribution, and, with an earnest desire to gratify the wishes of the 
members of the Association to be supplied with these badges before our next meeting, (July 
4th, 1876, at Philadelphia,) we respectfully request you to direct the Honorable the Secretary 
of War to deliver to the Director of the Mint, at Philadelphia, the bronze cannon referred to, 
which we think would undoubtedly have been voted by congress but for the circumstance al- 
luded to above. 

Assuming that the great favor asked of you is clearly within the province of the Execu- 
tive, and feeling assured that your Excellency is in sympathy with the object of the Associa- 
tion, we have the honor to subscribe ourselves. Very respectfully, Ac, 

J. W . DENVER, President If. A. V, M. W. 
A. M. KbnADAT, f #cre«ary . 

War Dbpabtment, Washington City, November 5, 1875. 
Gen. J. W. Denver, Pres't Ass'n Veterans Mexican War, Wask'n, D. C: 

General: The President uas referred to me your communication of the 3d inst., concern- 
ing the cannon that you desire furnished in order that medals referred to in your letter may 
be made. In reply, I have to state that I have to-day directed the Chief of Ordnance to ftir- 
nish four bronze cannon for the purpose named. 

Very i-espectfuUy, your obedient servant, 

(Signed) W. W. BELKNAP, Secretary ef War. 

Circulars describing the medal badge had been printed and forwarded to every 
known veteran of the war with Mexico, setting forth the terms on which the 
same could be furnished to those who desired this memento of service and in- 
signia of membership. Satisfactory evidence of service had to be filed in every 
case before the badge could issue. 

The entire action of the Committee was sustained by the Convention, which, 
after some further unimportant business, (most of which has been published and 
distributed to members in another form,) adjourned. 



PRELIMINARY MEETING OF MEMBERS AT THE BELMONT HOTEL, PHILADELPHIA. 

By direction of the Committee of Arrangements the headquarters of the 
National Association were located at the "Belmont Hotel," kept by a Baltimore 
firm, on Forty-first street. West Philadelphia, owing to an unfortunate failure of 
the Committee to obtain tents for quarters at "Camp Scott," as had been 
widely advertised. The accommodations at the hotel were not satisfactory 
in point of comfort and cost, to many of the members arriving, and as a conse- 
quence large numbers sought quarters elsewhere, A register was opened at 
the Belmonc, however, by the Secretary, in which most of the members as they 
arrived in the city recorded their names. An informal meeting of members 
present was held on the evening of July 3d, at which some indignation was ex- 
pressed at what seemed to be gross neglect on the part of the Committee of Ar- 
rangements in the selection of accommodations, and, also, in not obtaining 
proper recognition of the Association in the programme of exercises on the 4tli. 
^o member of the Committee being present to reply to these complaints. Gen. 
E. R. Biles, marshal of the Association, said that, so far as Major Klotzand Capt. 
Mackey were concerned, they ought not to be held responsible for the misman- 
agement, as those gentlemen had never been conferred with, nor any duties as- 
signed them by the head of the Committee at Baltimore. But so far as recog- 
nition of the Association by the authorities was concerned, he clearly explained 
some of the ditficulties under which the Committee would have labored even if 
they had put in an appearance at Philadelphia. There was really no concert of 
action, he said, between the Centennial Commission and the city authorities in 



PRELIMINARY MEETINO- OP MEMBERS AT PHILADELPHIA. ^ 

regard to a general celebration of the Fourth. The City Council had provided 
for a torchlight procession of local civic societies on the night of the 3d of July, 
while the Centennial Board of Managers had only provided for a parade of the 
uniformed militia on the 4th, with literary exercises at Independence Hall. The 
"Scott Legion" of Philadelphia, however, had arranged a plan, which General 
Biles submitted to the members present, hoping it would meet their approval, 
which was for the members of the National Association to assemble at the 
Public Buildings on Broad street, at 10 o'clock on the morning of the 4th, then 
proceed in a body to Assembly Hall, (carriages being provided by the Scott 
Legion for those unable to walk,) where an address of welcome would' be 
delivered by Comrade John Dolman, of the Scott Legion, who had been 
selected for the purpose; after whicli the members could disperse for the day to 
witness other festivities, according to their several tastes and inchnations. Then, 
after a night's rest, the Association could meet on the morning of the 5th at 
Assembly Hall, which had been engaged for them, organize, and transact such 
business as properly pertained to the occasion, and adjourn, so as to enable 
members who had come a long distance from their homes to improve the time of 
their visit by sight-seeing, and partaking of such social entertainment as Phila- 
delphians could aftbrd. 

Tlie proposition of Comrade Biles met with general favor from many of the 
more thoughtful members present. The heat was intense — the thermometer 
ranging high in the nineties — and most of the members were greatly fatigued 
from their long and dusty rides from Texas and California. A torchlight proces- 
sion through the crowded streets of the city on the night of the 3d would have 
probably marred the enjoyment of many of the older men on the succeeding 
day; while parading in company with the uniformed military under a scorching 
sun on the 4th, without any previous drilling or preparation, would have most 
likely resulted in a failure for the veterans, in ostentatious display at least. 

There were those present, however, whose patriotic ardor had not entirely 
oozed out through their pores by the stress of sunshine ; who had looked forward 
with something akin to bovish enthusiasm to this Centennial anniversary of the 
ever-glorious Fourth ; and who deemed it a bounden dutj^ — notwithstanding the 
attendance in Phihuielphia, on that day, of hundreds of more or less preten- 
tious organizations from all parts of the country, and a million of strangers who 
could not, perhaps, at a distance of twenty yards distinguish the Mexican vete- 
rans from a temperance society — a solemn duty these thought they owed to pos- 
terity to occupy the front seats on an unshaded platform, to hear a prayer, a 
poem, an oration, and " Hail Columbia," by a German brass band — all of which 
(excepting *'Hail Columbia" and the German brass band) could be enjoyed 
much more rationally by the expenditure of two cents for a morning paper on 
the succeeding day. 

But a resolution offered by Comrade Sherman, of N'evada, directing President 
Denver, Vice President Love, and the Secretary, to wait upon President Ha wley 
with the above object in view, was passed nemxne contradlcente^ and the commit- 
tee started in pursuit of that gentleman forthwith, who, it has been estimated, 
was on that day chased by live thousand "-connnittees" in pursuit of passes to 
the platform for distinguished personages. Our indefatigable committee, how- 
ever, finally cornered the President of the Commission, and elicited from him 
the following polite*resporise to their request for platform accommodations : 

International Exhibition, 187G. 
Office of the President U. S. Centennial Commission, 

PHILADELPHIA, July 8, 1876. 
Gentlemen: I would most gladly invite the whole Association of Mexican War Veterans, 
but it ib wholly out uf ray i)Ower. Ihe platlorm is so ranch occupied by the orchestra and 
chorus, and by the authorities cf Pennsy vania and Philadelphia, that only about 1,250 seats 
were lelt to the Coramission, and we were to invite to these the Cabinet, Supreme Court, both 
Houses of Congress, the Diplomatic Corps, the Governors and Staffs of the states, the Foreign 
Commissioners t<> the Exhibition, the ju«lges of the Exhibition (250 in number) and many s>tate 
Commissioners, Ac, Ac. We did the best we could. 

1 send you twenty tickets to the platfoim, with the assurance that it is the largest number 
given to any association. Very few indeed have been given save to persons in official position. 
W ith great respect, your obedient servant, 

JOS. K. IIAWLEY, President of Commissioners, 
General J. W. Denver, and others, 

Offlctra Mexican War f^tterana Association, 



10 PRELIMINABY MEETING OF MEMBERS AT PHILADELPHIA. 

This result was not. satisfactory to the meeting. As they could not participate 
in the public exercises in a body, it was decided by those present to not divide 
their forces by accepting the tickets, and the programme suggested by Marshal 
Biles was adopted as the order of tlie day. Comrade Sherman was appointed by 
General Biles an assistant marshal for the following morning, and orders were 
given by the President to assemble at the public buildings on Broad street at 10 
a. m. as before stated. 



Reception aad Address of Welcome by the Scott Legion of Philadelphia. 

The morning of the ever-glorious Fourth dawned clear and beautiful beyond 
description. The booming of cannon, the clangor of a hundred bells pealing 
and chiming from as many glittering church-spires, the racket of innumerable 
small aims and myriads of Chinese crackers, were followed by a sunburst of 
transcendant splendor on the eastern horizon, where old Sol arose majestically 
into the blue canopy overhead, seemingly anxious to witness the Centennial 
jubilee of AmericanFreedom on our Occidental Continent. The patriotic im- 
agination could easily, and pardonably on such an occasion, conjure up to the 
mind's eye the spirits of the Heroes of '76, in the imperial train of the God of 
Day, arrayed in tlieir Continental garb, and looking down benignly on the 
worldly tribute of their offspring; following the revolucionary host, an innumer- 
able caravan of devoted patriots, intermediate the present generation, wlio also 
contributed by their valor and intellectual gifts to the growth and development 
ox the Republic. The city wherein we were assembled, and all the historical 
surroundings, tended to stir up the patriotic emotions which slumber in unsenti- 
mental breasts during the hurry-scurry of every day life. On almost every face 
one met on the street a look of proud satisfaction gleamed, and often found 
expression in friendly greeting with neighbor or comrade. The lately hostile 
*'Reb." grasped the horny hand of the "Boy in Blue" in glad felicitation that 
they were there to see that day and rejoice again together as of j'ore. As a 
general rule the kindliest feeling prevailed. 

At 10 o'clock the veterans assembled at the Broad street rendezvous, accord- 
ing to the order, and proceeded — some in carriages and tlie remainder afoot—to 
Assembly Hall, where they found Col. A. H.' Reynolds, President, with the 
officers and members of the Scott Legion awaitmg their arrival. After the 
crowd became seated. Comrade John Dolman was introduced and delivered the 
lollowing address : 

HON. JOHN dolman's ADDRESS. 

Comrades! Brave soldiers of the hard fought battles and brilliant victories of the Mexican 
war: We your broihers-in-arms, welcorae you to the City of Brotherly Love! Bi'oad and far- 
reaching as our common country is, the inventive brain of man has made it now possible to 
gather from every state of the Umon in a week's time. One hundred years ago is the extent 
of our history ae one of the nations of the earth; and nearly one-third of that century hais 
elapsed since were enacted those scenes in which we shared, and whicii read now lilie a fairy 

Ai the result of that contest, bright stars have already been added to our flag, and a rich and 
vast domain to our country Mines of gold and silver, at which the famous mines of (.>phir 
sink into iiisigoiflcaace; cedars, beside whiCh the '"Cedars of Lebanon" become dwarfs; and 
fruits of the eanh never before equalled. • 

Joy unspeakable and indescribable does it give ns, to see so many of the heroes who staijd out 
promi ent in history as the only soldit rs who carried the Star-:?pangled Banner upon a loreign 
aoil and ntvar were defeated in a single battle, though always fighting against odds. Many— 
aias'l macy indeed—are not here this day, because their brave hearts ai e cold and crumbling 
beneath the sod. O I what would they not have given to have been spared to see this creat and 
«;(jrioU3 day of the land they loved and fought for But to see so many here reunited is a 
fiieht to giadden the coldest nature, and is «vorth a lifetime oi waiting. [Applause.] 

Welcome ye heroes, from the iiast and from the West, from the North aad from the Southl 
Welcome, y'e braves, IVom the Pacific shore, from Cal fornia, Oregon, Nevada und Colorado- 
part of that territory which the sue ess of your arms secured to tlie land ol liberty ! Welcome, 
ve veterans from the Lone Star .Mate— the bright jewel Mexico vrould ain have worn upon her 
own Sorehead, when she swore that that Lone Star should never glitter among iha b'illiant 
galaxy which adorn the flag of our Union. [Applause-.] How well t*jat oath was kept— ho ?v 
well that windy boaat was carried out, the history of the Mexcan w^r can tell, (^o to ihe 
Kieat mitropoiis of the Pacific coast, liattn to the busy hum of industry, ScO the riches 
ot the ladies flowing in upon us through thd i:*olden Gate, and think of the time when we stood 
shoulder to shoulder, and fian Francisco was a mere collection of adobe hutd. No sectional 



PRELIMINARY MEETTNO OF MEMBERS AT PHILADELPHIA. 11 

•trife bad then arisen, uo division of North and South. And now. today, speaking tobrothers 
of all sections, to those upon each tide of the late civil war, I venture to assert that not one here 
but will join with me in thanking God tliat the sun which shines upon this great and glorious 
day, looks down uj)on an undivided country! LLoum applause.! Yea, I will to further and 
asbert ttat among the veterans of the Mexican war— no uuitt*-: which side thcv were on in the 
war between the North and Sou h, thk love of the olh fliO nh-Vkr was'dbad in their 
HBAR18! [.Knthusiasic appl;tus«- and cheers.] In th" very height and madness ol the strife 
"LazHrus was not di-ad, but sh^eping;" and sii ce then the anprel lias descended, rolled aw'ty 
the stone from ihe motith of the tomb, and we are now amidst the gli^ry o a new re urrection. 
Brother rose up against brother, and gave bloody auri gaping wounds: but the strife an^i mad- 
ness have passed, (hn wounds have liealed, and tnough the scars remain, yec the sight of 
those scHr8, given and received by aid from brothers, will only increase the love and devotion 
for the couniry and her Iree inetitutions which have coat so much. [Sensation] And .our 
oountry and form of government are deserving ot our love, for she is blessed above every 
other nation. So long as public virtue remains, so long as the people hold the reins and do 
not give them up to the mere politicians of party, 6h'3 will go on fuUllling the great and glorious 
♦Jestiny that is before her. a star of liopet) the oppressed aad down-trodden of the whole 
world, a light to illuminate the darlc^st corners of the earth with the blessed light of fi'eedom 
and the christian doctrine of the brotherhood of man. [Applause] 

FrioDds, fellow-soldiers I I will not weary you, with the temperature as it is now. [Cries 
of "Go on !"1 Speech is silver, but silence is golden. '1 he tongue can but feebly express the 
feelings of the heart at any time; but now, had I the tongue of an angel, had my lips been 
touched by a coal of lire from the altar of Eloquence, even then 1 could not picture the 
emotions caused by this reunion. We can gaze \^)on ^hc form and featurrs, changed by 
relentless time; we can see the eye gleam; we can feel the magnetism of the clasp of manly 
hands, but the swelling heart, and the whirling feelings therein, cannot be described. 

Conscious of the madequacy of language, we of the Philadelphia organizatii n heartily 
welcome you ! And trust that the Bountiful (-river of all good gifts, the (jood Father who haa 
made and pre.-erved us a nation, and ])t;rmitted us to be rouriited alter a separation, to many, 
of nearly thirty yearn; that He may spare your lives for many years to come, and that those 
years may tie sweetened by all ot happiness allowed to man ui»on earth, is the sincere wish of 
every member ol the Scott Legion ot i^hiladelphia. [Enthusiastic applause] 

At the conclusion of comrade Dolman's remarks, who was warmly congrat- 
ulated by his fellow member.-, GeiieralJ. W. Denver, President of the National 
Association, responded on behalf of the visitors, than kins: the Scott Leojion for 
their courtesy and for the fraternal greeting extended to members by the elo- 
quent organ of the Legion, who liad just been heard with so much pleasure. He 
thought he would be excused if he made no extended remarks, and suggested 
that the order be given to •* break ranks," to enable mf^m be rs to puisue pleasure 
in their own way, and assemble in Convention on the morrow at 10 a, m. 



Meeting 



NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, 



At 10 o'clock a large proportion of the members who had arrived in Philadel- 
phia and reported their names to the Secretary at headquarters, were present in 
Assembly Hall, but many were absent who subsequently reported, and declared 
their inability (being strangers in the city) to find the place of assemblage. 

President J. W. Denver called the members to order and announced the 
general purpose had in view by calling this mass meeting of the membership. 
It was in accordance with the terms of the resolution of the Association organ- 
ized at Washington city in the spring of 1873, which called the national body 
into existence. That resolution was as follows : 

Resolved^ That an invitation is hereby extended by this association to the veterans of 
the Mexican war throughout the country, now organized or hereafter to be enrolled in 
associations, to send two or more delegates, in person or by proxy, to a national con- 
veni on to be held in Wushington City on January 15, 1874, to prepare a joint memorial 
to Congress for a pension to the survivors of the Mexican war, at ihe same rate allowed 
by the act of Febriiary 14, 1871, granting pensions to the soldiers and sailors of the war 
of 1812; also to adont measures looking to a National Brotherhood of the survivors, 
and a geneial assemlSlage on the occasion of the centennial anniversary of the nation's 
birthday, at Philadelphia, July 4, 1876. 

The objects above set forth have been accomplished to some extent, though 
much remains undone. We have held two national conventions since that reso- 
lution was prouudgated, and a general meeting of the officers of the Association 
last February. We are assembled now as a mass meeting, more for the purpose 
of cultivating fraternal relations than for the transaction of business, although 
we have some business of a routine character to perform. The meeting here in 
Philadelphia, on this memorable occasion, will illustrate that the hearts of the 
men who, at their country's call thirty years ago, penetrated to the heated 
sands of torrid Mexico, beat as patriotically now as then, and he hoped for the 
honor and successful issue of the cause in which we are combined together, that 
in future years the men of all sections of our common country will meet with 
the same general good feeling, and fraternize in the same harmonious manner 
that has hitherto characterized the conventions of the veterans of Mexico. 

The President directed Secretary Kenaday to call the roll of members 
present. 

It was moved that a Committee on Credentials be appointed. 



PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION. 13 

Major A. J. Dallas, J. C. Nuttman and L. F. Beeler were designated by the 
Chair to examine the names enrolled by the Secretary. 

As the members had been grouped on the temporary roll according to the 
States in which they reside, (instead of by regiments, &c , as will probably be the 
rule when tlie indexesare completed,) an invitation was extended to hand up to 
the Secretary the names of any members who had not yet reported their names, 
with a statement of service in the Mexican war. 

Under this invitation a number of names were added to the list without any 
statement of service attached thereto. 

The list being handed to the Committee, was returned with report recom- 
mending that ail survivors of the Mexican war present be allowed to participate 
in the reunion. 

The Secretary made a suggestion that in the published proceedings the names 
of peisons on the roll who had tiled no statement of service should be excluded 
therefrom. The proposition was rejected by a rising vote — 54 to 52. [A number 
of members who voted in the affirmative subsequently stated to the Secretary 
that they voted against the proposition under the erroneous impression that it 
was designed to exclude those persons who had not tiled their statements from 
seats in the meeting.] 

The list of peisons present at the meeting, and of those who arrived too late 
to take part in the proceedings, (but who, nevertheless, incurred the expense of 
the trip and intended to be at the meeting,) will be found on pages 5-6. 

Un(l<>r tiie rules the next business was the appointment of a Committee to 
nominate officers for the ensuing year. 

A niotiun was made, and no objection being offered, prevailed, that the mem- 
bers from each State, and the Army and Navy, select one of their number to 
represent that State, »&c., on the nominating committee. By this process the 
following gentlemen were selected as a 



COMMITTEE ON NOMINATIONS 

U. 8. Army Jefferson C. Davis 

U. S. Navy Alex. J. Dallas 

California George W . Ross 

Canada Abraham Defayctto 

Colorado Samuel M. Lof^an 

Disl. Columbia Daniel Smith 

Georgia William T. Wofford 

Illinois Henry Lash 

Jndiona , John Love 

Iowa Nicholas Greusel 

Kentucky John J. Land gran 

jMiiiaiana Kdward Itoss 



Minnesota Lafayette H. Bunnell 

Mississippi Thomas P. Young 

Missouri J S. Warmoth 

Nevada Clark Potter 

New Jersey Francis D. Clark 

New York William Colligan 

North Carolina James Eeilly 

Ofiio John Con well 

Fennsylvania Ephraim W. Banks 

f^ouih Carolina George Oppel 

Tennessee J C. Wright 

Texas S. K. Holland 



Maryland Louis F. Beeler i Virginia James O. Moss 

Massachusetts Heniy W . McGlenen 1 West Virginia Martin L. Dorn 

Michigan J)aniel McConnell | Wiscoyisin Henry Kempell 

'I'he Committee organized by electing General John Love, chairman, and 
Major A. J. Dallas, clerk. 

On motion of Col. W, L. Schley, further business under the rules was sus- 
pended to hear the oration of General Thomas T. Crittenden. 

The PKfisiDENT then introduced the orator of the day, General T. T. Crit- 
tenden, who served in the Mexican war as a 2d Lieutenant in Willock's bat- 
talion of Missouri cavalry. 

ORATION OF GENERAL T. T. CRITTENDEN OF WASHINGON, D. C. 

yeterans and Comrades of the Mexican War: 

On the centennial birthday ol our glorious RepuV)lic, we, survivors of tliose who have so 
larLToly exten'led its horders. meet to celebrate that wonderful event, the birth of a free nation. 

We meet in the City of Brotherly Love where Independence Hall and its bell, which first 
"nroclaimed lilierty throuphout the land to all the inhabitants thereof," remind us of that 
plorious hand ol Patriots, who periled lan<)s, liberty and life when they published the immor- 
tal I Tclaration of Independence. -An hundr« d years have passed away . 1 heyoung'est of us 
is half acentui-y old We can look back to the days of our youth, when the Fourth of July 
was greatest of all the days of the year. Well do we remember the gorgeous military parades, 
the great gatherings of the patriotic multitudes, and the eloquent orations which adorned those 
ctlebraiions. Above all, our memories of those bygone days brng forth the fonns of very 
old men, dressed in ancient acd curious costume, tottering with age; tionored old men, whose 



14 PBOCEEDtNGS OF THE NATIONAJO ASSOCIATION 

feeble steps were g^reatly aided by stalwart youth tomoniat the platft>rmaad take the high««t 
Beat. Venerable men were tiiese, the wrecks of heroes of the armies of the Revolution, whom 
time had spared and whom the people delighted to honor. But time moved on and not one wae 
left among us. They still live, however, embalmed in history, teaching us by their noble esc- 
ample, 

1 tjey were successfnl. but their freedoii, which we inherit, was paid for in blood, preeione 
blood, of mes who preferied death to slavery. Of such, it can be said. 

"Men never fail, who die in a good cause, 
The block may soak their score. 
Their heids niay sodden in the sun. 
Their limiis be strun,? to city jrat^^s and castle walls, 
But still their spirit walks abroad.'* 

By lessons like these, imbibefl in youth from them and from the veterans of our second war 
of Independence, we were fitt<^d to do our p «rts and '• 'quit U3 like men" when manhood and 
its duties to our country required us to be her soldiers on her battle fields. 

It is my flesi^n in thia adifress to ^\ve a view of each battle of the Mexican war, not in detail 
as to names of those who nobly fought or prloriously died upon those bloody fields, but only 
Euch glimpsea as will recall the natural features of each bATtle-field,the military organiza- 
tions and their commanders, together with the key points and the decisive movements which 
ga^e victory to our armies. In short it is prof)09ed to present a bird's-eye view of each battle. 
Faithful efl'orts have been ma'ie to preps^.re a simple and impartial account, but in t"ie descrip- 
tion of 60 many battles, there will naturally occur some mistakes and errors fof whi^h 1 beg 
your kind icdukence. These battle views are not to refresh your memories— for of your lives 
tne Mexican war is an imperishab'e part— but rather t'^ recall to the notice of a not too grate- 
ful republic, the deeds <ione in youih by us who, afcer thir y years, are the representatives and 
veterans of the armies which "conquered a pe Jce" upon the soil of M exico. Of course in an 
address of such limited space, the many severe marches, the guerrilla fights, the brilliant 
Bkirraishts and the heroic deeds f!ou3 by our men elsewhere than in pitched biittles, must remain 
untold. 

The canvas has room upon it only to pamt those fields where masses of men contended in 
the high arbitrament of arms for results, by Avhich the destinies of the contenaing nations 
were decided. To us the victory was given, and in our hands its fruits have been worthily 
enjoyed. 

Our armies operated upon three lines and were' known as "The Army of the West" com- 
manded by General 8te|.hPn W. Kearny, ''The Armyo* Occupation" under the command 
of GeneraJ Zachary Taylor and "The Army" commanded by General W infield Scott. 

The achievements of each army will, for ccnvenlence, be narrated in the aoove order. 

"THE AEMT OF THE WESi" 

Was oomi30sed of two regiments and a battalion of mounted men, one battalion of infantry 
andoneof artillery, ail volunteers fro " t'l estate of Missouri, and about 200 regular dragoons; 
the entire io ce numbered about ?,5' men cor^imanded by General Stephen W. Kearny. 

By an energetifi march of 800 miica from Fort Leavenworth to Santa Fe, New Mcico was 
conquered without a blow. ' »iviflin? his forces at Santa Fe. General Kearny with l.'iO dragoons 
marched to California, fought the hotly contested battleof San Pasqual. 9,nd united his forces 
with the California battalion and the tailors and maiiaes from the United otates squadron, 
commanded by Commoiore Stockton. 

On the Pacific*, coasi, ourfleet, uu-ier Commodore Sloit, ontheGth of July, 1846, took posses- 
sion of Monterey. vJn the 2id of July, Commodore '^tocbt-^n assumed command of the naval 
forces, and on tne 13,h o* Au^u-^t, being jomei by Fremont's California battalion, enterc'i Los 
Angele=». On the 8th of January, 1847, General Kearny and Commodore ^tooktoo, with 50o 
men, chiefly sailors and marines from the fleet, with 60 dragoons and a company of California 
volunteers, attacked the Mexicans under Gcieral Floret a' San Gabriel The Mexic m force 
nuu bered 600. By a spirited attack the enerny was driven from the field and pursued wuh 
vigor. The s ext day our iorces attacked again and completely uispersed them. 

in Nov»^Tnber. 1846, Ool i »onipbau w'th hia '»wn regiment, ' 1st Missouri.) 100 men from the 
2d Missouri, and tvyo companies of the iVIIssonri j. rtiiicry bitttalion, numberiiig 1,150 volunteers 
began his celebrated m'lrch from Suotc '^''e to yaliido 

On the 25ih of December, i&4f5,-T>irl of Col. D'aiiplian's command w^as attached at Brazito 
by 1,200 Mex c ms, and after- a brisk fignt of 20 mi iui,e3 the Mexicans were badly whipped 

On the 28th of February, Doniph m's forces fought the battle of Sacramento, near tha city 
of Chihuahua. The Mexicans numbered about; i.too men, and the euiTageinent, tboagh brl if, 
was severe. The enemy v. p.re jouted, SCO killed, a larijre number wounded and captured ard 
ail their artillery takeu, The next day the ciiy of Chihuahua fell into our hands and from 
there cur victorious column renewed it=; wonderful march through the heart of noribern 
Mexico and ended it at Sfdiillo on the 221 of May, lrf47. 

Ti.e o'tject of this movemettwas to join hands vyilh General Wool's column, which had 
been i rde el to proceed from Han Antonio, Tex^s, to Chihuahu>i, but the order had been 
revoked and Geuei'al Woo's fore s united with v-Jeneral Taylor's. Thig change of direcdon 
was unkoown to Doniphan until he had entered t*ie Suite of Chihuahua, and then he had to 
choose between retracing his steps to Santa Fe or daring the danaters of an advance through 
unknown foes, thereby forming a junction wiih Taylor's army, wheresoever that might chance 
»o be. With the instinct ot a true soldier, he uared the advance and achieved a march to 
glory comparable only with Xenophon's celebrited r treat of tho Ten Thousand, 

On th>i 19th of January, 18i7, Gov. Charles ijent, with other Americans, were massacred in 
Taos, Now Me3dco, and an insurrection previously piajaned broke out simtiltanQOUsly is 



OF THE VKTEEAITS OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 15 

several places; at»ont?,00OVpxicanB concentrated 25 mil^sn-^rth ofS-mtaFe. Col. SterHntr 
Pri'-e. Jeavine a prurrieon in that place, marched out with 300 MipeoTiri volunteers, (of the 2d 
re im^nt. the infantry anfl artillery,) and a company of ^'ew MexicaEs, with lour movntain 
how fzf'r'^, and on the 2Uh of Januarj' vigoronsly att-cke > t^e enenny at Cana^'a and after 
ftn ohfclinate rcBistance, routed them at all points The M»'xicanB fell back rapidly' towards 
TlH' 8 f)ur troors rein("ived by 100 rfeulars (2d Draproons) and 50 volant eers of the 2d 
Miee'.nri, inirsued them wih rner;:y, punished them severely in a partial action it HI Frabedo, 
and on the 4th of Febriia'-y. after a sev rp battle of two days dilation, obt lined a connplete 
victory over them at Taos. < ol. Trice's march from Santa Fe to Taos wnsin tne dpad of 
winti r, over mcuntainouB roids covered with snow, the cold was intense and men were actually 
froz n to 'tenth, 

< Ti the 2'th of Jaruary. Capt Ferley wUh 200 Missouri volunteers attacked a force of 
Mexicans.it Moro, Vew Mexico, and inflicted severe loss upon them. (Tnfortnnately at the 
iroment of victorv Hen'ev f. 11. Thus hostilities x^ere enf'ed in New iv exieo. but the ^rmy of 
thi « ept is entitled to mention among its nchifvemftrts the victory of Santa (Jriiz de las 'Josales. 
T hf-re on the Ibth or' Marc^, 1848. i-Jeneral S'iriinj? Pr ce, xrith '-'50 men. attacked :iTid dofeated 
900 Mexic ns. kilbnar 236. cat luring Governor Trias, 42 officers and li pieces of artlLery. 
Ibis was the last action of the wa**. 

"THE Army of occupation," 

As it was called, tinder the command of Gerera^ Taylor was composed entirely of regnlar 
troops. It vras stationed during tbp pprinpr of 1816 between the nvers Nueces and Rio Grande 
to fissert and protect our ri^rhts to the Kio Grande as the true boundary of the State of Texas, 
then rr^rer't'y annexed to tlie United "^tntes. 

For weeii s bef^rn war was dec'ared. the air was full of rumors cf hostilit'es, and occasional 
CO I'Sions f^id occur between t^^e »rooi s of 'he two Republics. 

On the Rtb o^ Ma- , 18i6, at Palo Alto, the first battle of the w^r wis fon?ht. The American 
for e* 'unib^rinor 2.3<i0 men of nil arms, wif^ t'^n pieces of artillorv, met; 6 00 > Mexicans, com- 
manded bv G ^ne-al Aristi. and dro e them from the field. (»n the next day the Mexicans re- 
enforced bv 2.*^' men. made a stand at He^aca de la Palma and were totally defeated 

G« neralTjiylor, in bis ret ort of tt^epe batt'oB said."! was met near thin place (Palo Alto) 
ypsterday, on my mirch from Point Isabel, by the Mexican forces, and alter an action of about 
flvp hours, diajo'ped them from their rosition and et camped upon 'he field. < 'ur artillery. 
ronsiPtintr of two 18 pounders nnd two liplit batteries, was the arm chii fly enffaired. and to 
the exeellent manner in which it was macceiivred and served is our t^ucces-* mainly due. The 
strength of theenemv is ben'eved to have been about ^",000 men, w th Feven pieces of artillery 
.and 800 cavalry His loss is probibly at lenst 100 killed. Our strengih did not exceed all to'd 
2,.3''(). while our loss was comparatively trifling— 4 men killed, 3 officers and o7 men wounded. 

In the ha-^t*' of this report, I ean only say that the officers and men behaved in the most 
admirable manner throughout the ^C'i'Jn." 

Of Heeaf-ade la Palma Genenl T ylor said, "When near the spot where I am now encamped 
mv advance discovered thtt a ravine crossincr the road had been orcupied by the enemy w'th 
arilUry. T immediately orflered a baitei-y of field artillery to sweep the posi ion. fl mk-ng 
and sustainins it by the od, 4tb, and 5th r ■gime nts. deploy< d as ski'mi^hers to the rierht and 
Iplt, A heavy fire of artillery and musketry was kept up fur some time, until finally the 
enemy's tmtteries were carried in succession by a squadron of dngo 'us and the regiments of 
infantry th;it were on the* cround, Kewas soon dnven from his position and pursued by a 
Bouadron of drugoons. battalion of infantry, 3d inf intry and a li ht bHtt^rv, to the river. Our 
victory has been complete. Kicht pieces of artillery, three standards and ffome 0'ie hundred 
prisoners have been takt'n; among the latter, f^eneral La Vega and several other officers. The 
enemy ban recro-scd thei river. '• heir loss in killed h-s betn most severe; our own has been 
heavy. The affair of to-day miy be regarded as a p'^oper sup dement to the cannonade of 
yeeterdav; and the two -aken toj;ether, exhibit the coolness and gdlantry of our officers anr< 
men in the mot tavorable light. iMl hare done their duty and done it nobly " 

The field work opposite Matamoros (Kort Brown) sustained itself handson^ely during a 
bombird-nent ot ahundred and sixty hours. 

General Taylor followed the Mexicans across the Rio Grande and took rossession of Mata- 
mrras where he awaited tlie reinforcements which were speedily organized and sent to his 
comman(i. The new troops were both regulars and volunteers. 

Leaving sufficient forces to protect his communications (Jcneral Taylor moved from Camargo 
upon vionterev on ther)th of -ept^mber, 1846. His army consisted of 3,i00 regulars, composed 
of thelst, 3d,4th. 5th, 7ih and bih r.igiments of infiuitry. 4 comp miesof the '2d dragoons and 
five batteries, and of 3,40^ volunteers, comnosed of the 1st regimf^nts from Ohio, Kentucky, 
Mif-stssipiii and Tennes-ee. Hays' and Henderson's Texas regiments, and tbe Mai-ylandand 
District of Columbia battalions. Tliese formed three divisions commanded by Generals Worth, 
r.litler and Twiggs. 

To oppose this armv of P, 600 men General Ampudia had in garrison in Monterey 7,000 
regulars and 3, (lOO militia, well supplied with artillery and defended by fortifications of con- 
Bid' r'ble siren- th. 

On t' e 20th of t^cptember. (-Jeueral Worth, with his division and Hays' regiment of Tc:sans, 
made a fl\nk march through the cornfields north of the city. On the 21st this movement was 
continued to the Saltillo road, west and in rear of Monterey, routing on the way some 1,500 
Mexican lancers, who attacked ihcm. Worth then vigorously assaulted and carried the forti- 
fications on Federncion Hill and Fort ?oldado. If he efl"ect of this day's operations in the west 
Bidti of Monterey hud been to close the retreat of the enemy, -o beat him severely in several 
ntt'cks, and to serure an important position which looked into the rear of the town. 

During thi same day, at the east side of the city, Twiggs' division, under Garland, assaulted 
Forts Uiablo and Teueria. Butler's division supported this attack, and the battle became 
general in tbat p^rt of the city. The streets were barricaded, the houses loop-holed and forti 



16 PROCEEDINGS OF NATIONAL ASSOCIATION 

iied. Our men advanced and bravely fought against unseen foes in forts and houses and on 
azoteas. Our loss was heavy and -we were often driven hack, hut again and again rallied and 
renewed the fight. The effect of this day's operations on the east side was, that we captured 
and held Fort Teneria and a portion of the town adjoining it. On the 22d we held this posi- 
tion under continued fire from Fort Diablo. On this day Worth's division assaulted and 
captured Fort Independence and the Bishop's Palace. These two points completely commanded 
the western part of Monterey and their possession insured our entrance into the town from 
this direction. On the 23d, active operations were early resumed, both on the east and west 
sides, our whole force being engaged. The firing was incessant during the day from the 
streets, houses and roofs, and our men actually dug their way through from house to house. 
At nightfall we had taken and held possession of the greater part of the city, and thus con- 
fined the Mexicans to the defence of the Citadel and the Plaza. That night GS-en. Ampudia 
sent propositions to General Taylor, which, after some negotiation, resulted in the surrender 
of Monterey. 

The nuihber of Mexicans who fell cannot be accurately known, as the operations were so 
varied and the points of attack so numerous; but it can be safely set down at over 1,000. Our 
loss was 120 men killed, and 368 wounded. The brilliantly successful attacks upon the western 
forts and the Bishop's Palace by Worth's forces, the tremendous assaults upon the eastern 
defences of the city by Butler's and Twiggs' divisions, and the deadly hand-to-hand combats 
in the streets and houses, were familiar and household stories in those days. 

After the capture of Monterey, General Ta ylor had advanced beyond Saltillo. In December, 
1846, all of the regular infantry liad been withdrawn from his army for service under General 
Scott. Taylor's army, thus reduced, were posted on the 22d of February, 1847, at Angosturas, 
near the Rancho of Buena Vista. It consisted entirely of volunteers, except two squadrons 
of the 2d dragoons, and three regular batteries, and numbered only 4,759 men of all arms. 
Here it finally prepared to resist Santa Anna and 20,000 of the flower of the Mexican army. 

THE FIELD OF BUENA VISTA 

Was selected by Generals Taylor and Wool, for its special defensive value. The formation 
of the ground was such as nearly to paralyze the artillery and cavalry of the enemy while 
his infantry could not reap all the advantages of its numerical superiority. The road at 
Angosturas becomes a narrow defile, the valley on its right being rendered impracticable for 
artillery by deep and imi>assable ravines, while on the left, ragged ridges and precipitous 
ravines extend far back towards the mountain which bounds the valley. Washington's bat- 
tery was posted to command the road, the 1st and.2d Illinois regiments, a company of Texans 
and the 2d Kentucky occupied the crests of the ridges on the the left and in rear. The Ar- 
kansas and Kentucky Cavalry occupied the extreme left, near the base of the mountain, 
while General Joe Lane, with the 2d and 3d Indiana, the Mississippi Riflemen, two squadrons 
of regular dragoons, and Sherinan and Bragg's batteries were held in reserve. Sharp skirmish- 
ing, by parts of the Kentucky and Arkansas Cavalry, dismounted, and a rifle battalion of the 
2d and 3d Indiana, was kejit up on our left until dark. On the 23d, at daylight, the battle 
began by an attempt of General Ampudia to ovitflank our left. The Kentucky cavalry and a 
battalion of the 2d Illinois maintained their ground handsomely at this point against a greatly 
superior force. About 8 o'clock a strong demonstration was made against the centre of our 
position, a heavy column moving along the road. This force was soon dispersed by rapid and 
well directed shots from Washington's battery. 

In the meantime the enemy was concentrating a large force of infantry and cavalry under 
cover of the ridges, with the obvious intention of forcing our left, which was posted on an 
extensive plateau. The 2d Indiana and 2d Illinois regiments fo'rmed tliis part of our line, 
the former covering O'Briens battery, General Joe Lane being in command. This position 
was held for some 25 minutes, though our rxien w^ere exposed to a cross-fire of artillery and to 
an overwhelming force of infantry in front. Our left flank was thus compelled to withdraw. 
The enemy were now pouring masses of infantry and cavalry along the base of the mountain 
and gaining our rear in force. The Mississippi rifles, 3d Indiana, 2d Kentucky and 1st Illinois 
with a section of Bragg's battery, gallantly drove the enemy and recovered a portion of the 
ground we had lost. The enemy were several times repulsed with great loss at this point, and 
this part of the action was warmly sustained for a long time. The lancers of General Torrejon 
concentrated on our extreme left and charged the Kentucky and Arkansas cavalry near the 
Rancho of Buena Vista. They were handsomely met and repulsed after a spirited contest, 
in which they lost heavily. At the base of the mountain the right flank of the enemy was 
held in check by the Indiana and Arkansas troops and the regular dragoons, while our artillery 
poured its fire into the Mexicans crowded into the narrov\r gorges and ravines, doing fearful 
execution upon them. 

It was at this moment that Santa Anna sent in his flag of truce, which induced General 
Taylor to order our firing to cease; and by this trick part of the Mexicans continued their 
retreat along the base of the mountain, and in spite of our efforts joined the main body of 
their army. The last severe attack was made by the enemy bringing liis reserves into action 
against tlie 1st Illinois and the 2d Kentucky regiments. They engaged a greatly superior force 
of the enemy, and were almost overwhelmed. The moment was critical. Bragg's battery 
moved rapidly into action, the Mexicans being only a short distance from him, and, being soon 
reinforced by the Mississippi and 3d Indiana, the enemy was driven back with great loss. 
No further attempt was made to force our position. During the night the wounded were re- 
moved and jn-eparations made to receive the enemy should he renew the attack. 

Thus less than 5,000 American volunteers, with but few regulars, but few of whom had ever 
seen a stricken fleld, for more than twelve hours sustained this terrible combat against 20,000 
Mexican veterans, defeated them, held the field of battle and reaped the fruits of victory. 

The battle of Buena Vista was the last battle and the crowning glory of the Army of Occu- 
pation. 

OPERATIONS OF THE NAVAL AND MILITARY rOKCBS AT VERA CKUZ. 

The forces of the United States designated to operate on the line from Vera Cruz to the 
CJity of Mexico, had their rendezvous at the island vi Xiobos, and proceeded thence to the 



OF THE VETERANS OF THE MEXICAN WAK. 17 

>aores west of the island of Sacriflcios. The anchorage was too narrow for a large number of 
vessels, and on the 9th of March, 1847, the troops werp removed from the transports to the 
ships of war, commanded by Commodore Conner. The fleet then set sail, the Commodore 
leading in the Mag ship Rarhan, and General Scott following in the steamer Massachusetts. 
The weather w:i.< pro])itious, and the ma-rnificent panorama was fall of the "pride, pomp and 
circnmstancf of glorious war.' The surf boats, 67 in number, manned by experienced seamen 
of the Navy, were hauled alongside of the ships, and the solditrs with their arms and accoutre- 
ments were passed into them. Commodore Conner directed two steamers, the Spitfire and 
Vixen, with live gun-schooners, to anchor in line, abreast of the beach, to cover the landings. 
The boats reaching the shore in line style, the troops debarked in good order without opposi- 
tion, without the lo.ss of a single life or even the slightest accident. For so successful aland- 
ing the Navy and Army are justly entitled to great credit. The city of Vera Cruz was soon 
invested, and Ave batteries of siege guns planted close to the walls. Nos. 1, 2, 3 and 4 were 
manned by ihc Army, find No. 5 by detachments from the tleei. On the 22d of March, the 
surrender of the city h:i ving been first demanded, the batteries opened their fire and continued 
it through the day and night. Pan ol ihe fleet anchored in line in a small bend formed by 
Cape Homos, about a mile from the city wails, and kept up a well directed and destructive 
fire from their :^2 pounders and ,s-inch guns. ■ On the 23d all around were in a state of awful 
activity. The batteries thundered on every side. Commodore TatnaU by order of Commodore 
Perry, advanced with his "mosquito fleet' of seven trmall vessels to attack the Castle Stm 
.fuau. He took position about bOU yards from it and to the astonishment and admiration of 
both sailors and soldiers, nuiiniained it for half an hour, until recalled by signal, and without 
having 5ust;nned an^- serious loss. The roar of artillery and the explosion of shells were 
heard througli the streets and in the houses and churc.'ies. of the city continuously, until the 
night oi the 2;jth. Arrangement had been made for carrying the ci\y by assault on the 2«jth, 
but in the morning of that day General lyandero made overtures of surrender. On the 29th 
our troops took possession of the citj^and the castle. 

On the !Sih of April our army mtirched forward on the road to the city of Mexico. Santa 
Anna, defeated at Buena Vista, had traversed the interior provinces with a large part of his 
amiy, and now sought to defend th<.' formidable 

HKIGIITS OF f EUKO (JOKDO. 

On the 14th of April our army was in presence of the Mexican army, and for the pifpose of 
a ilank march and to close their line of retreat, Scott ordered a road to be cut to the right of 
the American army, but to the left of Cerro Gordo, which wound round the base of the mountain 
in rear of the Mexican forts, there rejoining the Jalapa road behind their entire position. It 
took three dtiys to do the work, but on the 17th, while approaching the Mexican lines, our 
working partV was discovered and tired upon. A part of Twiggs' division under Harney 
advanced rapidly up to the summit of the hill and charged the enemy, who could not withstand 
the impeiuosiiy of our troops. They forced the Mexicans down the steep and uj) and over the 
neighboring heights. On the height in front of Cerro Gordo, and under cover of its guns, the 
enemy again my.de a desi>erate stand, but througli a storm of grape, canister and musket balls, 
the artillery and rilles dashed forward and stormed the hill. During the night a battery 
of one 24-pounder anil two 24-pound howitzers were planted on the captured hill. On the 
morning of the ISth Shields pressed forward in the dii-ection of the enemy's left, over 
rough and rugged ways, to seize the Jalapa road and prevent the escape of fugitives. Our 
battery opened upon Cerro Gordo, while Harney with his command rushed on to storm its 
heights; near the crest of tliB hill another breastwork was carried, and then swarming up the 
walls of the fort, they bayoneted the artillerists at their guns and drove the desperate enemy 
Iroiu their central defeiu-e down thi; steep sides of the hill in utter rout. Riley's brigtide 
gaining the crown of the hill at the same time, joined in the pursuit. Pillow's command took 
up its position m front of the river batteries and assaulted them with energy again and agaiu. 
SUields with his command succeeded in reaching the Jalapa road, charged ihe enemy in posi- 
tion there and comjiletely routed them. AVe lost (i3 killed and 398 wt)unde(l, while the enemy's 
loss was 1,200 in killed and wounded and 3,000 prisoners. Maj. Gen. Patierson left a sick bed 
to share in the dangers and fatigues of the day. 

JalJipa was taken on the isnli, Peroie on the 22d, and Puebla on thelilth of May. The army 
assembled at the island of Lobos, numbered 14.000 men, but on the loth of May, b\' garrisons, 
expiration of terms of service, discharges and deaths, not more than rj.OUO elfectives were in 
hanil to march to the citj' of Mexico. Jlence the delay in the forward movement until August. 

Succe.ssive reinforcements under Generals Cadwalader, Pillow and Pierce increased the 
army at Puebla to 11,000 available men. 

On the 7th of August, 1847, General Scott m-srched from Puebla with this force divided into 
a eavalry brigade and four divisions; the cavalry, commanded by Colonel Harney, were part.s 
Ihe 1st, 2d and 3d dragoons. 

FIKST division; general Wf)RTU. 

< St brigade, Colonel Garland; 2d and 3d regiments of artillery, 4th infantry and Duncans 
battery. 2d brigade, Colonel Clarke; ;jih, 6th and Sth infantry. 

SECOND division; GENERAL TWKiOS. 

1st brigade, General P. F. Smith; mounted rifle regiment, 1st artillery, 3d infantry, Taylor's 
battery. 2d brigade, Col Riley; 4th artillery, 1st infantry, 7th infantry. 
third divi.sion; general I'ILLOW. 

1st brigade. General Cadwalader; llth and 14ih iiifanlr\''and voltigeurs. 2d brigade, Gen. 
Pierce; yth, 12th and 16ih infantry. 

rOURTII division; (JENERAL (,!IIT.MAN. 

1st brigade. General Shields; South Carolina volunteers, New York volunteers. 2d brigade; 
2d Pennsylvania volunteers, detachment of U. S. Marines. 

After a lew days march the army passed over the crest of the mountains and a splendid 
panorama lay spread before the eyes of our weary soldiers. 



18 PROCfiEDrNGS OP THE NATIONAIj ASSOCIATION 

Wlien nearly worn out a sudden turn in the road brought to view a sight which none can 
ever forget — the whole vast plain of Mexico was before us. The coldness of the air, which 
was most sensibly felt at this great height, our severe fatigue and the dangers of the near 
future were all forgotten. Its lofty steeples and checkered domes, its silver lakes and snow- 
capped volcanoes, presented a view as remarkable for its historic memories as for the gran- 
deur of its natural elements. 

El Penon, on the common and only good road from Puebla to Mexico, being almost impreg- 
nable, Santa Anna had correctly placed there his principal fortification. The Fortress of 
Mexicalcingo, being likewise a strong one, and if taken, would leave the American army on a 
narrow causeway, easily defensible; the Mexican General had, apj)arently, provided for 
every possible passage between lakes Chalco and Tezcuco. The van of our army had 
actually reached Ayotla, on the Puebla road, several miles in front of the south end ot Lake 
Chalco. It then became a practical military question whether Lake Chalco could be turned. 
It was soon ascertained that a passage existed around the south end of the lake which could 
be made practicable. 

The attempt to advance by the national road was abandoned, and reversing the order of 
march, Worth's division took the lead. Pillow and Quitman followed, while the division of 
Twiggs brought up the rear. On the 17th of August the head of General Worth's column 
r»»ached San Augustine, and in a few hours afterward the other divisions were in supporting 
distance. 

This march around the lake was 27 miles in length, by a route which the Mexicans con- 
sidered impracticable. On the 18th all the army was in position near San Augustine on the 
Acapulco road nine miles from the city of Mexico. 

The pass of San Antonia being strong, and on a narrow causeway, the plan of attaclf was 
to turn San Antonia by 

TAKING COXTEERAS. 

On the 19th tIip brigades of Smith and Eiley (Twiggs' division) supported by those of Cad- 
walader and Pierce, (Pillow's division,) advanced over the Pedregal and fought vigorously 
with the enemy until night. Their strong fortifications manned by 22 guns, .sgainst which 
we had but three guns of Magruder's battery, and two small howitzers, the superiority ot 
their numbers and the nature of the erround enabled them to hold us in check and prevent 
our advance upon their front. At Contreras General Smith saw the immense reserve of 
Santa Anna, about 10,000 men, forming on the slope on the ojjposite side of the village, and 
threatening the brigade of Cadwalader already there in position. 

This brigafie formed on the outer edge of the village,- flanked on the right by the 3d in- 
fantry and lifles; Smith occupied the church, while the 11th infantry took position in the gar- 
den on the road to protect that avenue and the rear. Shields' and Riley's brigades aiTived 
and the men bivouacked for the night. A route, barely practicable for infantry, had been 
found from the village through a ravine to the rear ot the Mexican fortifications. 

Shields, the senior oflicer present, learning that Smith had arranged with Cadwalader and 
Riley the plan of attack for the mornirtg, magnanimously waived interference and reserved 
the task of holding the village with his brigade against Mexicans on the side of the city, 
and in case the camp in his rear should be carried, to face about and cut off the enemy. At 
3 a. m. Riley moved on the enemy's rear, followed successively by Cadwalader and Smith's 
brigade (under Justin Dimick.) Colonel Ransom, with the 9th infantry, andparts^of the 3d, 
] 2th, and the rifles, was on the ground opposite the enemy's centre. About sunrise the as- 
sault was made on the Mexican's rear and both flanks by Riley's, Cadwalader's and Dimick's 
brigades, the whole commanded by General Smith, the entrenchments stormed, and the 
\vorks carried— all in seventeen minutes ! 

In the whole war no more brilliant or decisive victory is to be found on record. One of the 
pleasing incidents of this battle was the recapture, by the 4th artillery, of two of its guns 
which had been lost (with honor) in the field of Buena Yista. 

CHURUBUSCO 

lies about four miles east of Contreras, but is six miles distant by the road. Contreras being 
won. General Worth's division was ordered to attack San Antonia, (to open a shorter a)nd 
better road to the capital for our siege and other trains) and, after carrying that, to 
move on and join the other divisions in attacking Churubusco. Accordingly, Clarke's brigade 
turned the enemy's right by a sweep to the left, and came out on the high road to Mexico. 
The garrison at San Antonia retreated and was cut in two by Clarke's column. Garland's 
brigade advancing in front captured the hamlet and the artillery in battery. Both brigades 
united and rushed on in hot pursuit. The grand movement of the day was then made in two 
columns; Worth's division from San Antonia in front, and Twiggs' and Pillow's divisions to- 
gether with Shields' brigade from Coyhoacan. This naturally resolved the battle into two 
distinct actions on the same field and so closely connected as to be within half cannon shot 
at the centres of contest. These were, respectively, the tete du ponl, attacked by the column 
under Worth, and the fortified convent and hacienda by the columns of Twiggs and Pillow. 
The Mexican army under Santa Anna were concentrated in and around Churubusco. Twiggs' 
division had commenced the attack on the field work around the church about an hour, amidst 
an incessant roll of fire, when Worth, with his division and Cadwalader's brigade, commenced 
manoeuvering against the tete dupont. The other fortifications attacked by Twiggs was half 
gunshot to the left, and, but for the attack on it, would have poured a destructive fire on 
Worth's command. Both were attacked, and the fire of San Pablo was in a measure di- 
verted. Garland's brigade moved along to the right of the road directly up to the tete du 
pont. They advanced under fire of a long line of infantry. Clarke's brigade marched at the 
same time directly on the road, and was suijported by Cadwalader's brigade. The whole 
moved up steadily under a tremendous fire, suffering heavily. At length the line in front of 
Garland gave way. The tete dupont was reached by Clarke and Cadwalader, its deep ditch 
crossed, its parapets stormed, and the third action on that great day was gained. In the 
mean limo Twiggs' division had gallantly attacked the fortified convent ot Churubusco in 
front, and this terrible battle had continued without cessation for two hours and a half before 



OP THE VETERANS OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 19 

thciiete du pontwjis cftptured. Then for another half hour the conflict deepened, the as- 
saults were more furious, and the citadel was entered sword in hand. This was the fourth 
victory of the day. Still far to the left the roar of battle continued. Shields' and Pierce's 
brigades, with the rifles, had moved to the rear of Churnbusco and there encountered 4,000 
Mexican infantry supported by 3,000 of their cavalry. Hotly and furiously the battle raged 
in this quarter, charge followed charge, volunteers "and regulars strove in deeds of valor and 
firmness to outdo each other, and victory again, and for the fifth time, rewarded their efforts. 
Then over the d»^ad and woimded, over the long causeway, the daring dragoons of Phil. 
Kearny, i:>uperu, and McReynolds drove the fugitive enemy, with the sword at their loins, 
info the very gates of the city of Mexico. 

In the series of battles fought this day, of the 9,000 Americans engaged, more than 1,000 
were killed and wounded, while the loss of the Mexicans, including prisoners, exceeded 7.000 
out of 82,000. 

Thus, on the glorious 20th of August, we fought and won five distinct and separate battles : 
Contreras, San Antonia, the tete dupont, the Convent of Churubusco, and the action with the 
right wing of Santa Anna's army. 

One incident related by Riplpy illustrates the fearlessness of our troops. He says in his 
account of the battle of Churubusco : "The road from the village of Churubusco to the cap- 
tured work (tete dupont) was much obstructed by the killed and wounded, and the Mexican 
ammiuiitioti train. The huge wagons of which it was composted took up much space, and in 
addition, every draught animal attached to them had been killed by the Mexican fire from 
the tele dupont and convent. The confusion caused by the mass of dead men and animals, 
wagons aud mHtorial thrown together upon the road, was increased by the taking fire of one 
of the ammunition wagons, threatening instant and destructive explosion. In consequence, 
some del.'iy arose in bringing the dragoons forward past the obstacles to the captured work. 
Some of the soldiers of the .Sd dragoons attached to Worth's escort, however, with most reck- 
less daring, mounted the wagons and actiutUy threw t tie burning ammunition chests into the 
ditch!' 

Before our aney, flushed with victory and impatient for the assatilt, r«se the domes and 
spires of the capital of Mexico. But, it was not yet to fall, «The armistice was signed, ne- 
gotiations for peace were begun, and our army was halted two miles and a half from the city 
to await the result. 

On the (jih of September these negotiations ended fruitlessly. 

(rHueral Scott's headquarters were at Tacubaya, about 1,200 yards south of the hill of Cha- 
pultepec. At the foot of this hill slope to the west is 

MOMNO DKL KKY, 

a ^-tone bnildingof thick and high walls, with towers at the end. 400 yards west of Molino 
<i'^l R^'y lies the Casa de Mata, another thick and massive stone building. The Mexicans 
facing south, had their right at the Casa de Mata, their left in Molino del Rey, and their cen- 
tre formed a reentering angle between the two wings. Santa Anna's forces to the number of 
14,(MK). were in line of battle to defend these points. At daylight of the Sth of September. 
General Worth, with his division. Cad walader's brigade, three squadrons of dragoons, a com- 
pany of riflt's, Drew's battery (H field pieces), and Huger's battery (2 24-poimders), and Dun- 
can's battery, numbering altogethnr .S,iri4 men, madethe attack in three columns. After a 
short butetfective cannonade u])on Molino del Rey, onr centre column of 500 men, under Ma- 
jor W right, rushed forward upou the centre and were met by a tremendous fire of .artillery, 
but, Ml spitf' of ii, they drove the artillery men from their guns, and had actually taken the 
battery when tlic enemy, seeing the small number of the assailants, rallied, poured in a de- 
structive fire and drovi-^back our column. The light battalion left to cover Huger's battery 
and the right wing of Cadwahider's brigade then gallantly came into action. The centre was 
pierced aiul ih<^ two wings of the enemy were isolated. On our right the battle raged with 
equal fury. GarLand's brigade, assisted by the fire of Drum's battery, assaulted the enemy's 
left, (Alolfno del Rev,) and, after an obstinate and severe contest, drove him from his appar- 
ent:y imi>regnable position, and the captured guns of the enemy were then fired upon his re- 
treating forces. 

While this work was progressing on our right and centre, the 2d brigade under Colonel Mc- 
intosh, moved on to the assault of Casa Mata, which, instead of an ordinary field work, as 
was supposed, proved to be a strong stone citadel with bastioned entrenchments and diiches. 
In easy musket rang*' tlie eut-my opened a doadly fire; our nlen were thrown into temporary 
disorder but continued tho attack. While this attack was being mado, a heavy column of 
JJexican inlantry and cavalry were delUmg aroimd Casa Maia, upon our extreme left. Then 
Duncau'a battery and tiie votligeurs opened a fire which soon broke this column, while our 
dragoons charged an I cotnphaed their rout < 'asa Mata was abandoneil. Of the enemy 2,200 
were killed and wounded and 800 captured; but, alas! of our small but noble force 787 were 
killed and wounded, of whom 58 were oificers. This was on our side by far the bloodiest bat- 
tle of "the whole war. 

On the morning of the 12th of September our batteries opened fire upon 

CUAPULTEPEC 

and continued it with marked effect until night. The hill of Chapultepec is a steep, bluff 
rocky height rising 150 feet above the surrounding grounds, and defended by a strong castle of 
thick stone walls. The fortress is about 90i) feet long The base of the hill was defended by a 
thick anil hmh stone wall, and inside of it lay a considerahle body of troops The lower slope 
of the hill was mined IWiyond the mines and about midway ol the ascent was a strong re- 
doubt clasping the entire front. This was also filled with troops. Above this redoubt was an 
inner wall enclosing the crest of the hill with a wide and deep ditch. Inside of this wall was 
the main fortress or citadel filled with troops under General Bravo, and defended by 11 pieces 
of artillery. At 8 a. m. on tUe IHth, the cessation of fire of our heavy batteries gave the signal 
Jor assault. On the west, fillow with his division and a storming party of 250 men from 
Wortb'b division moved to the attack— Worth's division being in reserve at Molino del Rey. 



20 PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION 

The enemy being driven from the wall at the base of the hill, the storming party advanced, 
precefled and followed by the voltigeurs. The enemy fell back slowly. Here Pillow being 
wounded the command of the column devolved upon General Ca<i"walader. The intrepid 
skirmishers pressed forward followed by the storming party with scaling ladders, the remain- 
der of the assaulting column and by Clarke's brigade of Worth's division. The broken acclivity 
was ascended and the redoubt half-way up was carried Slowly they advance uader a terri- 
ble shower of balls. They reach the ditch, bridge it Avith facines, the scaling ladders are 
placed against the massive wall, they mount and rush into the citadel General Quitman, with 
Shields' and Smith's brigades, simultaneously with the movement upon the west, approached 
the southeast of the same works. Smith's brigade was thrown out to make a sweep to the 
right, in order to present a front against the enemy's line (outside) and to turn two batteries 
near the foot of Chaxjultepec. The storming party, aided by other parts of this force, carried 
the two batteries in the road, took some guns, with many prisoners. Tiie South Carolina and 
New York volunteers. (Shields' brigade,) and the 2d Pennsylvania, all on the left of Quitman's 
line, together with portions of the storming parties, crossed the meadows in front under a 
heavy lire and entered the outer enclosure of Chapultepec just in time to join in the flnal as- 
sault from the west. 

A brief but fierce struggle occurred, the fortress was carried, its artillery was captured, 
and a large number of prisoners were taken, 

THE CITY OF MEXICO 

at length, lay open to attack. The garitas and works protecting the causeways were the only 
remaining obstacles. , 

To the north and at the base of the mound, inaccessib'e on that side, Colonel Trousdale 
with the 11th and 14th infantry and Magruder's battery had, at the same time, some spirited 
affairs against superior numbers, driving the enemy from a battery in the road and capturing 
a gun 

General Worth then advanced with Garland's brigade, the light battalion and Duncan's bat- 
tery, turned the forest on the west and arrived opposite the north centre of Chapultepec and 
Came up with Tjousdale's brigade. Continuing to advance, this division passed Chapultepec 
and attacked the fight of the enemy's line on the ro:id, about the time of tlife general retreat, 
consequent upon the capture of the citadel and its outworks. Being reinforced by Clarke's 
and Cadwalader's brigades, Worth pursued and forced the encmj'- along the San Cosmo cause- 
wa}-- to the suburb of the city in front of the gate. There they defended themselves behind 
ditches and on the flat roofs of houses, making the village a fortification. Our pipneers with 
picks and crowbars soon dug through the houses, and, by 8 o'clock p. m., these positions were 
carried and Worth quietly rested within the city. 

General Quitman at the same time strengthened by Smith's and Pierce's brigades, 
pressed forward m the Chapultepec causeway towards the Belen gate, lighting all the way and 
under a trnmendous lire of artillery. Our loss here was very heavy. Slowly creeping from 
arch to arch with a severe fire from batteries in front and from batteries in flank, our forces 
neared the Belen gate, and gallantly charged through it into t'^e city. But thf^ir w^ork was 
not yet ended. Tn our front another battery kept up a fierce fire ind the Mexicans charged 
repeatedly and vigorously, but were resolutely repulsed During this fight our men con- 
structed earthworks for infantry and two batteries at the gate and icept up a sharp fire along 
our front. That night, sheltered by these works, our forces slept upon their arms. 

When the morning of the 14th dawDed. both columrs marched into the city w^ithout resist- 
ance, and this wondrous battle-march from Vera Cruz to the city of Mexico was history! 

NATIONAL BRIDGE, HUAMANTL^A, SIEGE OF PUEBLA, KTC. 

Early in August, 1847, the guerrilla troops were very active ia their operations upon our line 
between Vera Cruz and the city of Mexico. 

Attain escorted by Maj. Lally's force of 1,000 men were repeatedly attacked by the Mexic ins 
at and near the National l)rid»3;e, but tbe enemy were handsomely repulsed an 1 the train saved. 

On the 8th of Octo'oer, General .To=<eph Lana, with a force of Indiana, < 'hio -uid i^ennsyJvania 
troo 18, four mounted companies under Captain Walker of the rifles and Heintzelman's battilion 
attacked and rutted the Mexicans under Santa ^nua at Hu ima-Ula with gre^t l'i.«s. The 
victory was saddened by the fall of Walker at the moment of success. On the 18th Lftne 
pushed on to Atlixco and defeated the guerrilla forces. Thev then made Matamoros their 
headquarters, from which Lane drove them in November. The ^iege of Pue'd«i. which had 
been bravely sustained by Colonel Childs, was raised and, except occasional skirmishes, the 
war was ended. 

Mexico having no fleets, its slight commerce was swept from the seas at the beginning of the 
war yet 

OUK NAVAL FOliCES 

Were actively engaged along the shoresof the Gulf and the Pacific Their prompt and energr>t{c 
act'on in the Californias as well as their participation in the bombardment of Vera Ortjz has 
already been mentioned. In the Gulf our squadron, first und?^r <omrrodore Conner and 
afterwards under Commodore Perry, captured Alvarado, Toba^^co. Tuspan.and other ports, 
whi^e on the Pacific, Commodore Biddle capturer) Mazatian and other places, garrisoned a^d 
held them to the close of the war, thus emulating th\t energy, discipline and gallantry tor 
which our navy h.is been so long and justly celebrated. 

Thus has been told the plain unvarnished story of the b.attles of the war. Many histories 
of it have been written and many of its heroic deeds related: but we who have been soldiers 
well know that history is silent about the many acts of heroism our comrades have done, and 
the deeds themselves are their only r^^w^rda. 

What are the fruits of the Mexican wnr? 

THE TREATY OF GAUDALUPE HIDALGO 

Ceded to the United States a territory extending from the eas^ern baseof theEockv mountains 
to tbe Shores of the Pacific, including New MeTcioo, Arizona, California, Nevada, Colorado anc^ 



OF THE VETERANS OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 21 

Utah, contfiining an area of about 700,000 square miles. It quieted our title between the Nueces 
and Kio Grande on the south, and between Texas and New Mexico on the west. It poured 
into our lap the K^ld of Colifornia an'1 the silver of ^^levada, Utah and Colorado It gave us a 
railway from the At'antic lo the Pacific over which the commerce of the farthest East is 
brought to our lioors. 

It hah given us magnificent ports upon the shores of t'le Pacific Ocean. There great cities 
have sprung up which nre yet in their youth. Nations have come to us from far distant climes. 
Asiaji td Japan have awaVened iroui their de'th-like slee]) of ages and are learning from us the 
arts of civilization and our lard is the great )iighwa>' for the multitudes of the world. It has 
given our country a |)rominciit rank among th(! natioos of the enrth . Jt has displayed to the 
eyes of doubling monarchists the existence of a majestic y^oU'cr and energy, a youthful fresh- 
ness of spirit combined with manly vigor, which are wtdl calculated to insure peace, by the 
respect which her ability haf?in8i)iVedand the admiration which has been elicited by the heroic 
condu'-l of her sons. The Uniie<l States has not only sliown ability for defensivd^var, but has 
successfully holvcd the problem of the capacity of a republic to engage m a foreign war. It 
has (lemonstrated that, Avithout the expense of a large standing army it can at any time bring 
into tlie fielfi an immense force drawn trom the body of the people, able to endure latigue, 
surmount obstacles and achieve victories, under cireurastances which would have broken the 
s|)irit8 aud quelled the courage even of troops inured to war. And this goodly land von by 
our arras, is now tlie abode of peace and is ra|)idly growing in population, in wealth, in the arts 
and sciences which tend to material happiness. A free land filled with a free people 
. Leavnig for a time the grave aud important matters, let me sketch a few scenes and persons 
Jamiliar to us all in Mexico, 

We know what chapparel was, but would find it hard to describe. At a distance it looks 
well enough, the largt^bt tree (mesquit) uot exceeding the peach tree in size, yet crooked, ill- 
shaped and at irregular diPtauces apart.. The intervals are filled with undergrowth which 
meets the branches of the mesquit. Prongs of these bushes, Avith sharp steel colored thorns 
shoot from the surface of trie ground in all directions. The remainder of the chapparel is 
composed of wchIs thickly interwoven with briers, prickly near and other varieties or cactus. 
One must see and leel chapparel to know what it is. I quote a dopgei'el stanza then current 
among the bovs. tersely descriptive of it and of the curious gi-asshoppers and frogs which 
abounded on the Rio Grande, 

"All bushes have thorns. 
All insects have horns." 

Vow let us visit the market place at Puebla on a Snnr'ay morning. It was held in the 
principal plaza and had the semblance of a camp of Arabs. Each family, (for the whole 
family seems to eometo market, the donkey, the dog and all.) has a little tent formed of the 
])etat»i (mats) of the country, thrown over a ridge pole sustained by upriglit sticks, and hang- 
ing like curtains down either side. Beneath this they and their efl>cts are sheltered from sun 
:indrain. The gaily rlressed and picturesque multitude, among whom trip the tidy looking 
housemaid and the spruce mozo of the city, with their little baskets of palm leaf, are moving 
about and threading their way among those rude awnings, while at their feet lie piles upon 
pii''s of the richest and most luscious fruits and vegetables 

Within his view the s))ectator can see the apu'e, pear, peach, plum and cherry of the 
Tierras Templadas mingled in rich profusion with the pineapple banana, chirimnya and 
orange of the Tierras ( alientes, all brought together from short d'stancep. VVhere nature has 
been so bountiful, what of the people who inhabit it. Among the better classes it is common to 
see a young gentleman dressed in a close fitting blue cloth jacket, skv-blue velvet irowsers 
open fnom the thiorb down, ornamented with small silver bell buttons his rnow white drawers 
showing at the sides and his feet shod with stamped anri embroidered botas. Arotind his 
wa sta heavy crimson silk sash, a gay woollen serape hung gracefully over his shoulders and 
on his heafl a sugar-loaf glazed sombrero bound round with thick silver cords and pendant 
tassels On his teet spurs of enormous size, each spike of the rowels two inches lorg. with 
small pieces of metal hanging to rhrn loogcly and jinarling at every step; a'l these bright 
color.s set oil' by dark brilliant eyes :Mid jet black hair. Mount him on a spirited horse trained 
to iraliop all day under the shadow of a sin.gle tree, equip it by a heavy bit, silver spansrled 
bridle and an immense saddle plafed with silver on every available spot, and the Mexican 
beau brcomes the Mexican cava'ier 

Thereisanotheranda numerous class of Mexicans, widely differing in appearance, who could 
any pleasant day be seen in the streets standing at doorwavs, leaning against the walls of the 
housrs, or sitting around a dingy serape spread upon the ground and playing monte with a 
greaey pack of carls, pres-^nting a general apuearance of dirty laziness Oow and on what 
ihey lived was a profound myiUery which our dull Saxon brain could never. comprehend. 

Let us seek a r>ore congenial theme. Though not so young nor gallant as once we were, 
let us not forget Mexico's dark eyed setioras and senoritas Bles- their sweet forgiving souls, 
how often in the al\ernoo'"8 they sought the plazas, arrayed in full flowing skirts, with no 
awkward stays to craoop the grace of motion, their coquet/i^ih rebosos never for an instant 
tpiiet but changing its folds and half revealing rounded neck and arm. Their hair, too, such 
hair— no odious borin-t to conceal nature's tair handiwork; and as the music of our bands filled 
the air their little leet beat time to its rythm. -<\t their fandango or more stylish bayles, eremies 
as we wer*^, s; ill the blue coats were favorite partners in the dance or waltz. Amiable in 
flisnosition, na'ur\l in maooer, their live'iness seemed tempered by the softness of their eyes 
and their coinplexon often sallow or dark, is no more than 
"The embro" ning of the fruit that tells 
How rich within the soul of sweetness dwells." 

Comrades, more than thirty years have passed away sjnce the tidings flashed over the land 
that (General \rista Ind crossed the ilio Grande and with largely superior forces had sur- 
vonndcd <:ieneral Taylor's army. 

Quickly on it.s beefs followed the news of tho glorious victories of Palo Alto aod Jieeaca de 



\ 



22 PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION 

la Palma. We can never forget the throb of patriotic devotion that thrilled our hearts. Mexico 
and the United vStates had appealed to the sword. At this supreme moment our people rose 
as one man. Volunteerti were so numerous that al' could not be receivd. There was manly- 
joy among the accepted, and manly regret among the rejected. Cowgress, keening step with 
the people, .'reely voted money, supplies and fnll power to the Executive. A generation of 
the world has 8inc;i passed awav, and we, then glowing with youth and health, now blossoming 
for the grave, meet here as the representatives of the survivors of the tO,000 gallant men, who 
under the stars and stripes, marched to the conquest of Mexico. 

It is said that but 15,000 of us still live an-' ttiat 65,000 have already "trod the road to dusky 
death " Our own broken forms admonish us that it cannot be long before we too must tread 
the same path, humblv trusting in Him who holds the nations in the hollow of His hands. Yet 
we have the rjroud reflection that we have greatly extended the limits of our country's terri- 
tory; we hax^ made "American citizens" a title of honor; that we have full high advanced the 
flag handed down to ua by our Revolutionary sires, and that in our hands it has never been 
tainted with dishonor or lowered in defeat. Our fatliers bequeathed to us a charter of politi- 
cal rights, a government based upon the will of the people, and a land of civil and religious 
liberty. All these have we kept in their essence and spirit, and, with God's help, will transmit 
them unimpaired to our children. Our fathers left us a country young and feeble among the 
nations of the world. Terribly shaken by war abroad and war at home it has successfnily 
passed through all the trials and vicissitudes to which a government can possibly bo subjected, 
and to-day it stands confessedly the greatest of the earth, the exemplar of nations and the 
polar star to which all peoples look for political guidance and direction. May our beloved 
country ever be in tlie future as in the past, the home and hope of the oppressed of the earth. 
Our last and most earnest prayer is that the institutions watered by our own and the more 
preciDus blood of our forefathers may bloom and flourish in eternal youth and strength. 

At the conclusion of General Crittendeirs oration, which was listened to with 
profound interest and attention, the speaker was greeted with a round of ap- 
plause and hearty congratulations. 

General Gi:orge W. McCook, of Ohio, moved an expression of thanks to the 
orator for his able and comprehensive narrative of thrilling events in the Mexi- 
can war, which had awakened in the minds of those present such pleasurable 
recollections of friendships formed many years ago under circumstances requir- 
ing men to stand shoulder to shoulder, not for their personal safety alone, but 
for the honor of the glorious flag under which they were mutually engaged in 
the service of their country. Friendships thus formed, said the speaker, should 
never be severed by trivial causes ; the process of time should serve to cement 
their attachments for one another; and he could not conceive that anything 
other than the kindliest sentiments should ever grow out of this organization of 
the remaining participants in those stirring scenes. He rejoiced to witness the 
spirit of patriotism which biought together from all sections of the Union men 
who desired to make this centennial year memorable, in their declining days, 
by renewing their old ties of fraternal regard and esteem, which he devoutly 
hoped were never again to be sundered or disturbed by jarring difterence of 
political opinions. [The Secretary regrets that owing to ill health his meagre 
notes, taken at the moment, fail to convey the exact text of General McCook's 
remarks, which -worked up the assemblage to a high state of enthusiastic ap- 
plause at the close of his ringing speech.] 

Upon information being sent to the President that Gen. Claudius Buster, 
one of the veterans of the Texas Kevolu»:ion, who "drew a black bean'' at 
Mier, was present in the hall, that gentleman was cordiall}'^ Invited to a seat on 
the platform, and warmly greeted as he ]>assed up the aisle. 

A letter was read from Major Wm. B. Wilson, tenderins: fifty tickets of invi- 
tation to the tenth rertiiion of the "'Army of the Tennessee'' on the 6th and 7th 
of July, which were accepted and a vote of thanks tendered. 

Secretary Kenaday read the following resolutions in recognition of the 

COURTESY OP RAILROAD COMPANIES TO MEXICAN VBTEKANS. 

Resolved, That the sincere thanks of the National Association of Veterans of thp 
Mexican \\rv are eminently due and are hereby respe-^tfully tendered to those distin- 
guished citizens of our great and growing ^'ountry, Thomas A. Scott, Ks<i., president 
of the Texa.-^ and Paeitic Kailroart Company, l.elk)ul Stanford, Esq., President of the 
Central 1 acific Railroad Comnany, and Sydney Dillon, Esq., president of the Union 
Paciflc Railroad Comi)fMiv. reprc^s'^nting the stockholders of said coropauies, for their 
generous recognition of the public services of the veterans of the Mexican War, as dis- 
played by the above-name.<l gentlemen, tendering to our comiades residing in the most 
remote sections of the country a free passage over their lines of road, in order to en- 
able them to participate in the re-utiion of the survivors at the Centennial anniversary 
of the National Independence. 

Resolved, That the secretary be directed to convey to those gentlenen the above res- 
olulions-by letter ov otlierAvise, and to give them assurance of our highest respect tor 



OF THE VETERANS OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 23 

their gigantic efforts to develop the resources of our beloved country, giving employ- 
ment to vast numbers of our fellow-men, and spreading the blessings of civilization 
over the immense area of territory in our Western possessions. 

[The resolutions were a few clays subsequently handsomely enorossed and 
transmitted to the distinguished gentlemen named, as directed.] 

The President here called on the Secretary to read his annual report of the 
transactions of the Association, which was dehvered as follows : 

ANNUAL REPORT OF A, M. KENADAY, 

Secretary of the National Association, Veterans of the Mexican War. 

(Jen. J. W, Dbnveh, President, 6fC. 

General : In reporting the transactions of my office in the National Association, I 
beg leave to slate in the outset that no speciflc aulies werft laid down for my observ- 
ance by the convention wliich organized the association, the members of which by a 
most flattering vote insisted upon (my filling the office of first secretary. In accept- 
ing the position 1 promised lo devuie whatever degree of ability I possessed in the 
iliacharge of the labors attached. 1 have endeavored to kei^p level with the duties pro- 
perly pertaining to that ofiice, and luive not in any Instance knuAvingly transcended 
the proper limits witliout consulting iny sui)erior officer, the president of the Assocl- 
atlou, keeping steadily in view the main ol)jects expressed in the constitution, to wit : 

OB.JKCTS OP THK A.'^SOCI ATION — WHO KNTITLBD TO MKMBBRSHIP. 

Article 111. The objects of the Association shall bo to organize the scattered veterans 
of the Mexican war into one liody, upon the broad principle^j of equality, fraternity, 
and charity, lor the promotion of social intercourse, good fellowship, and all proper 
assistance. * * ^(^ :^ * # 

Article VI. All members in good standing in State and other local organizations shall 
be entitled tv) memlu-rship in this Association, and shtll become members, upon writ- 
ten application, by a vote of a majority of the members present at any regular meeting 
of the Association. 

***** 

In regard to the first of these mandates, my efforts " to organize the scattered vete- 
rans of the Mexican war into one body," for the laudable purposes above indicated, 
have been unceasing and untiring ever since the movenitnt began at Washington city 
in February, 1ST,]. 1 have earnestly endeavored to make up by zeal and energy in the 
right direction for what was lacking in the matter of special knowledge at the start. 
The resuks of these ettbrts is briefly stated as follows : The collection of the names of 
about 5,5()0 survivors, with their post-office addresses, situated in every State and 
Territory of the Union. 

Of tl-.i's number 2.400 have thus far made written application for the medal badge 
adopteil i^y the last National Convention as the insignia of membership in the associa- 
tion, and much the greater portion of the remaining veterans referred to have for- 
warded written requests in the prescribed form to be enrolled in the register, accom- 
panied by a siateniejit r.f their services. They have fulfilled the requirements of Arti- 
cle b, which entitle them to membership, anil I respectfully recommentl that all such 
ai)plicants bo formally admitted by vote as members of the National Association. 

AJostof the members i>resent are supposed to be familiar with the means used by 
the secretary to compass the result :<bove stat«Ml, which, as shown by the thiixl article 
of the Constitution, was evidently expected to be performed by the bftlcere of the As- 
sociation ; butl beg leave to reiterate the fact leferred to in iny last annual report, 
that the thou^Jiands of circulars scatt«'red :Al over the country during the first year of 
the association were rendered absolutel}' ne-eessary to .sustain and authenticate the 
petition submitted to Congress by the conveniion assuming to represent the survivors, 
as w till as to controvert the extravagant estimate of the then Conimtssioner of Pen- 
Hious in retrard to the number of veterans who wotxld be entitled to pen.sion under the 
proposeil bill. To carry out this work, in which our comrades were all interested, 1 
was compelled to solicit small donations— a line of busm«!ss to which 1 had never been 
Hocustonieil, and which was tlecidedly repulsive to my tastes and inclinations. The 
amount collected in this way is a matter of record ;,and while 1 reported that the 8um 
thus raised snfliced to cover the absolute outlay for j>rinting the proceedings of the con- 
vention, the ciiculars, etc , and the ])08tage thereon, it never did, nor was it ever ex- 
pected to, compensate me and my family (i»y whom 1 was assisted) for the mental and 
physical labor expended in the undertaking'which tlie Association had calle 1, but had 
provided no means of paying for, and the failure of which would have abruptly termi- 
nated the mov«'ment. 

At the close of the second convention the Secretaiy was again left without a dollar 
l)eing piovided to publish the proceedings or execute iis wishes. A committee on Fi- 
nance was appoinl«'d, who authorized the ^^eot•etary to ])romulgate a circular, over 
their signatures, assessing the several Staff^s in amounts ranging from $25 to $100 each. 

The plan, however, was i;Ot popular, although within two months after the atijourn- 
ment two whole-souled gentlemen— General John Love, of Indiana, and Colonel W.B. 
f^ianley, of South Carolina— respondtid with the amounts charged to their re.>^pective 
States. Their generous action determined the Secretary to publish the proceedings and 
continue in the performance of his duties, even if other States should fail to respond to 
their assessmwnts. 



24 PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION 

RETURNS OF MONKT IN RESPONSE TO CIRCULAR OF FINANCE COMMITTEE. 



Rhode Island— May 7, 1872, (full as- 
sessment) $25 00 

South Carolina— April '25, 1875, (full 

assessment) 50 00 

West Virginia— May 16, 1874 7 25 

Colorado Territorj — bebruary 9, '76, 

(full assessment.) 25 00 

Total from fourteen. States $49G 75 



Arkansas— May 12, 1876 $13 00 

Illinois— June 28, 1875 10 00 

Indiana— April 21, 1875, (full assess't) 100 00 
Iowa— Aug. 4, 1875, (full aseessm't). . . 25 00 
Maryiand--Feb. 22, 1876, (full assess't) 100 00 

Minnesota—March 1, 1876 18 40 

Nevada— May 15, 187;) 25 00 

New York— May 27, 1S75 .'iO 00 

Oregon— J une 22, 1875 18 10 

Pennsylvania — J ane 16, 1875, 30 00 

This amount was promptly turned over to the treasurer of the finance committee, 
and his receipt returned to the parties sending in the order of reception. 

THE MEDAI. BADGE. 

In regard to the medal badge, it is proper to state this undertaking is the outgrowth 
of a resoluLion adopted by tne first convention directing a committee, consisting of 
Major A. J. Dallas, U, S. A., General P. O. Hebert, General James Tilton and Judge H. 
R. Crosby, to selecu an appropriate design for a Baage and >Seai. Major Dallas reported 
at the next convention the design, which was adopted without opposition, i had it 
engraved on wood for publication with the proceedings, andsenc the same to all known 
veterans. The president and secretary had been appoiuted by the a^sociacion a com- 
mittee to ascertain the cost and have the work executed. 

Prompt and energetic action was necessary in order to atford members an opportu- 
nity to prove' their idenUty and to enable them to obtain any advantages that their 
connection with the National Association woulil atford them in attending the proposed 
x-eunion at Philadelphia on the occasion of the Centennial Fourth of July, wtiich had 
been a declared object from the beginning of the movement. It was confidently antici- 
pated that all the railroad corporations would carry our comrades over their lines fre(i, 
if our members possessed an authentic token to oiscinguish them from, mere pretend- 
ers, who would be likely to attempt, imposition on the railroad companies as well as 
upon the members. 

(jongiess, through the objection of a single member, had failed to donate the cannon 
asked for by the cummittee at the close of the last session, and the association had no 
pecuniary means whatever to carry out this purpose;. The committee, therefore had no 
recourse but to lay the facts before the President of the United States, and solicit a 
donation of cannon by the .Executive branch of the Government to aid them in the 
undertaking, which was favorably responded to. The i esult of the committee's efforts 
are pretty well known to most of the memuers; and their action in the premises was 
luUy endorsed by the meeting of officers representing the States called to meet at 
Washington on the 2'2d of Feoruary last, and has elicited the kindliest appreciation 
from many of those who received the badges. 

Every member of the State and county associations. whose name and address was in 
possession of the secretary, had a circular sent to him, fully explaining the conditions 
upon which he could obtain the badge and be enrolled in ohe National Brotherhood, as 
provided in Article 6 of our constimtion. 

The labor attending ihis duty, by order of the president of the association, devolved 
on the secretary, wno devoted himself exclusively \o the incidental business connected 
with the distribution of the badges — abandoning aremunerawve em,doyment for the 
purpose and employing all the necessary assistance from his own re:?ources. 

Tne amount of labor, expense, anxiety and petty annoyances attending the per- 
formance of this duty was not anticipated at the beginning. If tne tlelay of obtaining 
tne medals from the mint; the impatience of many applicants at not promptly rt^ceiv- 
ing answers, the accidental losses by mail; (which were made good by the secretary,) 
and the mistakes incidental to rushing the work, coulu have been foreseen, the badges 
would probably not have been issued, for no moneyed consi'deration, at my down-hill 
time of life, would indi/be me, in view of past experience, to undertake such an enter- 
prise under similar unfavor.^ble circumstances. Hadl notoccasioualiy rectiveo a cheer- 
ing note from comrades who had perhaps experieuced the vicissitudes of a "forlorn 
hope" on other fields of action, i would probably have broken down before this meeting. 
But happily all difficulties that are worth mentioning have thus far been surmounted . 
A register of the turvivors, alphabetically arranged, by States and by regiments. Arc, 
has grown out of this, which will prove an interesting and useful publication when 
finished. 

In performing this work alone over 6,000 letters and postal cards were received and 
answei-ed, an average of about 33 letters a day since January; 15,000 circulars have been 
distributed, 10,000 copies of printed papers containing matters of interest to comiades, 
2,4iJ0 medals, about 5,000 postal cards and a vast amount of written correspondence on 
various subjects. The postage on this matter formed a very considerable item of 
expense. In additton to this, since my last annual report i had to prepare and dis- 
tribute 5,000 copies Of ].>amphlet proceedings of the national convention. They were 
sent gratuitously to all known survivors, but the voluntary contributions of members 
and the balances of assessments bince received nearly cover the cash outlay. 

Much of the correspondence with railroad companies^&c., in regard to transportation 
has been published in various forms and seni, to members for their information. It is 
not deemed necessary to repeat it in this repor.. But the following copy of a letter 
submitted by you in connection with your remarks before the sub-Committee of Invalid 
Pensions properly pertains to my annual report. It is a gratifying tact that the Invalid 
Pension Committee found the suggestions worthy of adoption in the report to the House 
Of Representatives: 



OF THE VETERANS OF THEI'MEXICAN WAR. 26 

COPT OF LETTER SUBMITTED TO PENSION COMMITTEE. 

Washington, D. C, January 24, 1876. 
Gen. J. W. Devver, President N. A. V. M. W. : 

Genkral: la reply to your verb il request for information, to be presented to tlie 
honorable tjommitlee of Pensions in relation to our bill before Congress, I beg leave to 
submit my report Of J tnu iry 9, 1875, (copy inclosrtd in published proceedings of last 
convention,) showing the total of survivors then reported tlirough State and county 
organizations, &c , to be 4,061. During the past year, through tbe zeal aad energy of 
the offljers of the association througliout the seveial !^tates and Teiritories, who have 
not abated tlieir enthusiasm in tlie work of enrollment, perhaps 1,000 more names have 
been forwarded lo my oftice. But in making up the list of survivor^- by States— a work 
in which I am now engaged— I find many names duplicated which, when thrown out, 
will reduce the number to about 4,500. 

In view of the wiiie publicity the movement has attained, through the generosity of 
the public pross,during the past three years of agitation and the desire of all survivors 
of the war to know something of our efforts here in their behalf, which information has 
been obtainable gratuitously by simply sending names and address lo the secretary, I 
think 1 wiU not be accuse<l of gross exaggeration in saying that my list covers fully 
one-half the survivors who would be eligible to a pent-'ion. And this estimate falls 
below the calculatloos of the honorable members of the House wh > signed the minority 
report of the Pension < ommitieeof the Forty-third Congress, who expressed the opinion 
that ten ijer centum of the whole number of officers, soldiers, sailors and inarmes 
engaged in the war, from beginning to end, (about ten thousand in round numbers,) 
would, at that time, cover all the survivors. A year iias elapsed since that report was 
mu<l*>. and death in the meantime has not been idle in our rauKS. 

I respectfully su;?gest, Mr. President, that you iuvite the attention of the present 
committee to the views of the Hens. T. T Crittenden, J. D. Young, W . J. O'Brien, J. M. 
Rusk and James S. Martin, members of the Invalid Pension Committee of the Forty- 
third Congress, (published in last proceedings of national association.) Their finding 
was based on estimates submitted for and against the proposed pension by the friends 
of the petitioners in private life as well as the jealous guardians of the public purse 
in the Executive Departments of the Government, who are, as a rule, influenced more 
by tlie stern dictates of law than by impartial distriijutiou of justice. That report was 
circulated with our last published proceedings, and everywhere elicited the warmest 
panegyrics on the character of the distinguished signers by the grateful veterans in 
whose behalf it was made, it is an argument and a conclusion that carries conviction 
to every unprejudiced mind of the justice of our humble petition. 
Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

A. M. Kenadat, Secretary, &c. 

PRESENT CONDITION OP THE PENSION BILL, 

On the 22d of June I addressed a letter to the Hon. G. A. Jenks, of Pennsylvania, 
chairman of the House Committee on Invalid Pensions, requesting an opinion as to 
the probability of our bill becoming a law at this session. On the 27th 1 had the honor 
to receive the following repl.y: 

UNITED STATES HOUSE OP REPRESENTATIVE^: 

Washington, D. C, June2i, 1876. 
A. M, Kenaday, esq. 

Dear Sir: * » *«• The bill granting pensions to the soldiers of the Mexican war Is 
very iiPar the he.ul of the calendar, and I sincerely hope and expect it will be retched 
yet. 1 placeil it in charge of Mr. Hewitt, of Alai)ama who was one of its most zealous 
iidvoc.ites on the committee, and nothing will be left undone to have it considered at 
an early daj-. We havo every reasen to expect it Avill become a law. 

Yours truly, G. A.Jenks. 

Respectfully submitted. 

A. M. KENADAY, Secretary. 

[Note. — It is proper to state in this connoction tliat every effort was made by 
the oMicers at headquarters to induce Mr. Jenks to fulfil his promise before the 
adjournment of Con^^ress, and obtain a vote upon our bill. He declined on ac- 
count of the absence of Mr. Goldsmith W. IIewii^, of Ala., who had charge 
of .the matt«^r. When Mr. IlEWiTT returned to his seat durintr the month of 
August, he was also importuned to call it up, but after consulting with our 
friends in tlie Jiouse he «lecided it was for the best interests of all parties con- 
cerned that viction l)e postponed until the December session, when he assured 
us that every etlbrt would be made to carry it through both Houses of Congress.] 

The report of the Secretary was accepted and recotnmendations adopted, and, 
on motion of Comrade C. B^ Mauky, of JPittsburg, the thanks of the Associa- 
tion were voted to Secretary Kenaday. 

RBPORC OF THE TREASUHEK. 

Capt. Sa^iuel V. XiLES, Treasurer and member of Finance Committee, sub- 
mitted a supplemental report (his annual report having been submitted and ap- 



2G 



IPROCEEDINGS OF THE :^TATIONAli ASSOCIATION 



proved at the meeting of officers, February 22, 1876,) covering receipts and dis- 
bursements from February 22, 1876, to July 4, 1876, as follows : 

1876. Receipts. Dk. 

Feb. 22 To balance on hand, $99 56 

Mar. 1 To amount received from Miu- 

neaota Association. 18 40 

May 6 Ditto from Arkansas A ssociat'n 13 00 



Totalreceipts 130 96 

Total expenditures 100 00 

Balance on hand, July 4. . . . $30 96 



1876, Expenditures. Cr. 

April 18 Paid to A. M. Kenadav, Sec- 
retary, &c., on ac't of print- 
ing and other expenses, du- 
ly approved by Finance 
Com. on Expenditures. . . . $100 00 



Total $i00 00 



[Note, — The total returns of Pssessments in response to circulars of Finance Committee 
are detailed in the order of reception in repart of the Secretary, p. 24 ] 

REPORT OF SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON CORRESPONDENCE RELATIVE TO MONUMENTS, 

CoL. W. L. Schley, on behalf of the committee to whom was referred the 
correspondence of Dr. A. G. Carothers and the War Department, [printed 
on pages 29-30, Proceedings of 1875] in which Pr. Carothers suggested the 
erection of a monument at Monterey, wliile the War Department, through the 
late Col. Oscar A. Mack, U. S. A., expressed the opinion that the memory of 
those gallant men might be more duly honored and perpetuated by erecting a 
handsome monument in the City of Washington," &c., &c., reported- 
Thai; the subject is one of national character, and that the expense of erecting such monu 
ment shouln be-at the cost of the United States Government. That a special committee be 
appointed to devise a suitable plan and design, which is to be submitted, through the Presi 
dent, to the several State organizations lor their approval, and, if such plan is accepted, con* 
certed action be taken to bring the matter to the attention of Congress. 

DOMICIL AT THE SOLDIERS' HOME FOR AGED VETERANS. 

The Secretary reported in regard to the resolution of the last annual Conven- 
tion directing the officers of the Association to take proper action for obtaining 
domicil at the Soldiers' Home for aged and needy veterans of the Mexican War, 
&c.; that the attention of the Hon. Alpheus S. WiUiams, M. C, who is a mem- 
ber of the House Committee on Military Afiairs, had been invited to the subject, 
and that he had promised to give it official consideration. 

AID IN OBTAINING EMPLOYMENT, 

Also, with reference to the resolution introduced by Comrade Dawson, of N. 
Y., lequesting Government officers in the dispensation of official patron- 
age to remember the claims of deserving mechanics and workingmen among the 
veterans of the Mexican War, the Secretary reported that a number of applica- 
tions had been made to the President and Secretary for endorsement under the 
resolution, wliich were always cheerfully complied with, and he was gratified to 
report that in some cases the applicants were successful in obtaining employment. 

REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON SELECTION OF CANDIDATES FOR OFFICE. 

The committee elected by the members present from the several States to se- 
lect candidates for the various offices, to be voted for by the Association, now 
made their appearance and announced the result of their deliberations through 
the clerk of the committee. Major A. J. Dallas, U. S. A., who mounted the plat- 
form and read the minutes of their proceedings. He was accompanied by Gen. 
liOve, the chairman of the committee. 

When the State of Maryland was reached in the call it was announced that 
the present officers from that State were withdrawn and no others would be 
named. Colonel Wm. L. Schley, secretary of the Baltimore Association, de- 
manded to know by what authority this had been done ? He denied that the 
committeeman from the Maryland association, or even the whole committee, had 
any such authority. The committee was appointed for no such purpose, and he 
denied the right of any of its members to withdraw the veterans of the Maryland 
association from the National Association. If any one Mdshed to do so, he 
could, of course, withdraw himself; but he denied his right or authority to speak 
for anybody else in that respect. Old Maryland had always proved true to the 
Union— had always upheld the honor of the nation. She was proud of the part 
her sons had taken in the war with Mexico, and the survivors of them would never 
consent to be thus withdrawn from their comrades who had helped them make 



OF THE VETERANS OF THE MEXICAN WAK. 27 

the history of that war so glorious to our whole country. As Maryland had 
been true to the Union heretofore, so would her surviving veterans be true to 
the National Association now. 

Col. Scliley's remarks were received with frequent bursts of applause. 

A motion was made that the old officers from Maryland be re-elected. Carried 
by acclamation. 

When New Jersey was reached a similar scene transpired. The committeeman 
from that State also proposed to withdraw, but he was checked by Col. J. E. 
Nuttman and Charles Bowers, Esq. They were sustained by the Association 
and the old olficers from New Jersey retained. 

When New York was reached the like action of the committeeman from that 
State was announced, and several of those present from that State seemed to 
sustain him. The discussion that followed took a wide range and became quite 
animated and heated. Secretary Kenaday seemed to be the chief object of attack 
on the part of the New York members. He defended himself by saying that 
the Association at New York had not complied with tlie requirements of the 
Constitution and the resolutions of the first convention in transmitting a list of 
tlieir members — [a voice, "No, and we never will '] — and properly that society as 
a body was not entitled to a voice in the National Association. 

President Denver here interrupted the Secretary and addressed the Association 
at considerable length: 

He expressed j?reat regret that aay cause of rlisturbance should have foian"! its way into the 
councils of the Association, or thitauy comrade should allow any but the most kindly feelinj?8 
to enter his bosom towards his foliowB He depx'ecated the attacks made oa the Secretary as 
unjust and un^eneraus. Every one who knew anything about it knew that we owe more to 
the zeal and energy of Secretary Kenaday for our orajanizadon than to any one else. That he 
has rendered greac and valuable servicer, no one will dispute, and that he ha3 never received 
any compensation from the Association is equally well known. He thoui?ht, too, it came with 
an ill grace from geotlemen who had never complied with the ruiea and regula'ion^ of the 
i^ational \830ciation. to come herf to disturb the harmony of those who had complied with 
them in every particular. As to the matter of procuring the badaje- — all tbat ^as reported to 
the Association on the 22d of February last by the committee having it in charge, and the 
Association fully approved of their action nnd ordered the distribution of the baiges. The 
manner of distribution was then seiz *d on by tlicsj discouteote 1 spirits to get up fresh dis- 
content, and as their derasinds could no*: be complied with by the secretary, they reiused the 
brtdge authorised by the National Association, but got up a counterfeit copy of it. To his 
min'l the spirit thus manifested was all wroug. If we cannot meet totrether in harmony let 
us disband. The Secretary has discharged his duties honestly, fsithfully and zeUously. 
Every act ol his his, from the beginning, been closely scru inized, and ou' of every investisja- 
tion he has come with the hearty approval and commendition of the examining committees 

U has been asserted that the Secretary contemplates taking advantage of the knowledge 
obtained through h'm position to establish a pension claim agency. If he does propose any 
such thing, is that any just cause of complaiit to any one? So far f om anv one finding fault 
with him on that account. 1 think he ou^iut to receive atl possible encouragement from mem- 
bers of the Asbociation ; for in that way they mav accord to him go'oesliiht rem meration 
/or s 'rvice^ he has so long rendered without compensitioa. Besides he has as good a right to 
engage in that business as anv body else if he choo^^es. .As for myself I do not propose to 
engage in it But no doubt others will, and Secretarie'S or members of local associations miy 
have a better opi)ortunity of getting .such cases than the Secretary of the National /Vbsooiation, 
because thcv are nearer to ihc applicants. I know ->ecretary Kenaday did not enter upon this 
work witli this object in view, for the business crew out of his labors, and absohi'ely had no 
foundati'm when he commenced. Besides his recor"8 will bf? of very gre it advantage to 
members in proving up their identltJ^ in learning th^ whereabouts of comrades But whether 
Secretary lienaday chooses to • ecome a rlaim agent or not, I ctn certify that he has b.ien 
faithful in the position assigned to him by his comrades, who refused to accept his deolinat on. 
He has his likes and disli*ies. as all positive mon have; but the Association as a body h ive 
been fortunate in obtaining the services of so efficient and zealous an agent in his responsible 
position Me has had to sorugglo in th'^ dischargeof his duty against all sorts of dis id vantages 
and has heen subjected to petty bickering and fault-fiading from this same soir/'.e of discon- 
tent ever ainf.e the movement began in the early pu-c of iS7i. ' know of what i speak. He 
should be judged by his works. I have watched his conduct with acritic^l eve bu*; with no 
ungenerous fe.^ling. He deserves credit for hiseffirts t^ sustain the mo/ement. He has col- 
lected materials, in a crude state, from all parts of thp country that will be of interest to all 
ol us, and he is arranging them intellisjioly for the permanent reconls of the Association, 

The question on the adoption of the report of the Committee was adopted 
unanimously. [The names of the officers elected will be found on page 3,] 

PROPOSED VISIT TO THE OLD BATTLE FIELDS IN MEXICO. 

Colonel Robert Klotz of Pennsylvania, moved that when the Asssociation 
adjourn it \)o, to meet in Washington City on the 22d of February next. He 



28 PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION 

took occasion to say that about that time a number of members of the Scott 
Lej^ion of Philadelphia propose to visit the battle fields along the route from 
Vera Cruz to the City of Mexico. It wi!I be a pleasure excursion, and will 
occupy six or eight weeks the round trip. The party will go by rail to New 
Orleans, thence by steamer to Vera Cruz; and it is estimated that $500 will cover 
the expense of the trip. [All comrades desiring to join the party the Secretary 
has been requested to state, are invited to communicate with Colonel Bobert 
Klotz, Mauch Chunk, Pennsylvania, or Captain C. F. Sargent, at Scott Legion 
Headquarters, corner Fourth street and Fairmount Avenue, Philadelphia.] 

The meeting then adjourned to the 22d of February, 1877, at Washington, D., 
C, when it is expected a large attendance of members will be present from all 
parts of the country, to congratulate one another on our anticipated success in 
Congress, and also witness the inaugural ceremonies of the newly-elected Pres- 
ident of the United States, on the 4th of March. 



SUPPLEI>IENTAL KEPORT. 

It is proper to state that so much of the foregoing narrative as relates to the 
reading of the report of the committee on selection of officers, was prepared by 
President Denver himself, at the request of Secretary Kenaday, who takes this 
occasion to say, that he regrets any circumstance in the past which could 
possibly be construed as giving offence to the members of the New York City 
Association. The Secretary yet stands ready, however, to serve any and every 
veteran of the Mexican war, who honestly desires the success of the Association, 
with whatever ability he (the Secretary) possesses, and at the sacrifice of any 
personal labor or expense. This declaration is in strict accordance with his 
ideas of duty to his old comrades. But his private judgment and opinions, not 
being derived from any man or body of men, are independent matters under his 
individual control, and he can well afford (with the grace of God) to drop from 
his list of "friends" any person who dislikes this trait in his character. 

Those who are not on the rolls of the National Association, not having been in 
communication with the Secretary, may have possibly been misled by one or two 
individuals who are ambitious to fill his place and reap the prospective advantages 
of his labors. By arraying themselves in opposition to the Association simply 
because the Secretary lias announced a willingness to attend to a class of business 
open to public competition, surely does not seem a good way to promote the 
objects of the Association. It is of little consequence to the membership at 
large whether their secretary obtains the means of sustaining the work expected 
of him in the manner proposed, or by "'peddling peanuts," so long as he renders 
useful and acceptable service as a consideration for the money voluntirily given. 
But the small number of discontented individuals who attended the Philadelphia 
meeting and assumed to take New York out of the National hody^ are perhaps 
not aware that there are 167 names of veterans residing in that State, on our rolls, 
outside of their membership ; a much greater number than they ever claimed to 
have in their club. Out of the limited number of survivors of the two gallant 
New York regiments of volunteers in the Mexican war, 63 of Col. Stevenson's regi- 
ment, and 30 of Col. Burnett's regiment, have already procured the badge of the 
National Association by direct application to the Secretary, and are enrolled as 
members thereof: besides 19 survivors of the 10th United States Infantry, (which 
was mostly raised in that State,) and others residing therein connected with the 
various corps, regular and volunteer, during the Mexican war. Many of these 
never heard of the local society in New York city, and as evidence that the 
seceders do not carry everybody with them, attention is invited to the following 
letter from Dr. M. H. Mills, a gentleman of wealth and high standing in Mount 
Morris, Livingston county, in the western part of the State of New York: 

Mount Mokris, N. Y., September 15, 1876. 
General J. W. Denver, President <&c., Washington, D. C. 

Dear Sir: Oa behalf of the veterans ot the Mexican war residing outside of the city 
of New York, and within the State, 1 desire to enter my protest, and to raise my voice 
in opposition to the action ol the New York city veterans in withdrawing from the 
National Associatloa of Veterans of the Mexican War, and forming an independent. 



OF THE VETEBANS OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 29 

State organization, If it is to be supposed their action carries us wifcli them. Such action 
cannot be considered as binding: on us, or to carry us with it. That it was unauthorized 
by us and we refuse to bo bound by it, and ask you to appoint General Ward B, Burnett 
and some other member of the National Association, to represent that body in the State 
of New York. 

Nearly thirty years have now elapsed since the close of the Mexican war. Its benefit 
cent result.s to our country are now fully established and recognized. Those who took 
part in (hat war and served their country honorably, will go down to history as patriots. 
J^et us then rather sustain, than try to break up a National Association of its survivingr 
members, forme I for the laudable and praiseworthy object of promoting the interests 
an I Welfare of all its members. 

The Nai ional Association of Veterans has roachtd its i)resent position and success Viy 
tlie continued elTorts and painstaking and hard labor of a few individuals during the 
pant three years. They have now again become offict'rs of the Associntion by a large 
ranjO"ity of the vote ot its members, and to them, the Veterans of the Mexican war are 
wholly indebted to whatever influence this Association has throughout the country and 
in obL lining from Coiigres.s an equal recognition with the soldiers of other wars to 
bounties and emolumeats for honorable^ service to their country, which it is confidently 
believe J will now be .speedily accomplished, from the progress and encouragements 
already made and received. , 

More than this, the Association proposes to collect, through its officers, additional 
materials, historical facts, legends and reminisences connec.ted with, and growing out 
of this war, that a more/uU and complete history of those who were engaged in it, and 
it.'< bene.ticent re•^ulrs to the whole country, may be written, than has yet ever appeared. 

In view of these gre it interests, which are national in their character, we say there- 
fore, sustain the National Association. If any has to perish, let local or State organi- 
zations become tlie victims. 

I remain, yours very truly, M. H. MILLS. 

When the above patriotic communication was received, President Denver 
was absei>t in Ohio, and the Secretary transmitted a copy to that o;allant offi- 
cer, who Dr. M. sii.i^^ested for Vice President, Gren. Ward B. Burnett, to 
whom it will be remembered was awarded, in 1859, by the general voice of his 
brothers in-arms, the historical fjold box ])r<»sented by the city authorities of 
New York in 181J) to Major General Andrew Jackson, and by him bequeathed 
in his dyin^ will ''To that patriot of New York City who (should our happy 
country not be blessed with peace) shall be adjudi^ed by his countrymen to have 
been the most distinguislied in defence of his country and our country's rights." 
Tnat the precious gift was worthily bestowed all who remember the gallant 
leader of the New York boys at CerroGoi"do, Contreras, Cherubusco and Belen 
viate will certify. Following is the reply to the Secretary's note above referred 
to : 

Room 24, No. 20 Nassau Stkkbt, Neio York, October 7, 187H. 
A. M KK^fADAV, Ei?Q : 

My Dear .Sir: Your note of the '27ch ult. was duly received, and also your postal card 
of the 3d nstant in regai d to P. <). address of Dr. VV. H. M. It was my desire to commu- 
nicate witli I))-. Mills uefoi-e making a reply to your note, but as Mount Morris is so far 
from here, and 1 cannot do so personally, 1 hereliy assent to the use of my name in any 
manner lliMt you and iieneral Denver m ly deem desirable for the furtherance of the 
threat inirpo.-<e in which vou are both -so zealously engaged. 

t N* ill accept the appointment of Vice Presi<lent from the State of New York, and 
t'/ifiearor to attend th." annual meeting in Februarv to maKe a speech, siner a song, or 
;ella story with my old comrades in arms, as well as to do unythingwith the outer 
H'frrld that may temi to eaiiy a pension law through Congress lor the relief of our tor- 
uier comrade* and the widows of those lost to us forever. 

Very respectfully yours, WABD B. BURNETT. 

On laying the foregoing correspondence before General Denver on his return 
to the city, the Pi-«!sident gave directions to place the names of General \V. B. 
liuniett and Dr. :M. H. Mills in the list of Vice Presidents and Council of Ad- 
ministration representing the National Association in New York State, and ex- 
pressed the opinion that it woidd meet the hearty approval of every veteran 
whose name is now on the roll. 



Ol R rE;\SIO]V BIL.E. IIV C01V0RE8S. 

Our Pension Bill, reported by the Committee of Invalid Pensions on the 24th 
February last, was printed and distributed to members last summer. Hon. G. 
W. Hewitt's report, which accompanied the bill, is substantially the same as 
that published on pages lo-lG, Proceedings of 1875, as the "Views of the Mi- 
nority of the Committee on Invalid Pensions of the 43d Congress." The bill will 
probably be amended in some important particulars when it comes up for actioa. 



IMPORTANT BECISIOK IN A BOUNTY liAND CASE. 

The Pension Buremi rejects a Mexican Veteran/ s Claim for Bounty Land on the 
ground of ''''disloyalty'''^ — The Secretary of the National Associatio?i files an 
argument appealing to the Secretary of the Interior — The Department sustains 
the Pension Bureau and 7'ejects the application under a law previously held by 
Secretary Delano to he unconstitutional and void — Urgent 7iecessity of legislative 
action to prevent further injustice under this act of Congress — ^''An act that blurs 
the grace and blush'''' of chaste Columbia; which " takes the rose from her fair 
forehead and sets a blister there /" — After good old ''''Uncle Sam'''' pardoned 
and invited his prodigal sons to return and renew their pledge of fealty, they 
humbly ask a small gratuity standing to their credit for a quarter of a century^ 
and are rejected with scorn and cordumely by his proud officials — " Tarnation 
^cute^'''' perhaps^ but nauseating to high-minded men ! — Read, ponder and reflect-! 



The foUowin,^ correspondence explains itself without further introduction : 

Headquarters National association Veterans of thte Mexican War. 

Office of the Secretary, 
Hon. Z. Chandler, Sext^y of the interior. Washington, D. c, Atigust 30. 

Sir: I have the honor to appeal from the decisions, herewith, of the Acting: Commissioner 
of Pensions, on the application filed by me in th^t Bureau for bounty and warrants in behalf 
of Captain Wm. H. Ketchsmof Mobile. Alabama, (a captain in volunteer regiment from Ala- 
bama,) and Captain James Lenow of Memphis, Tennessee, Ist Tennessee cavalry in the Mexican 
war, 1846. 

Both of the above named j^entlemen are members of this National Association which embraces 
nearly all the survivors of that war, and of which body I have the honor to be Secretary. It 
is in that capacity (being also their attorney) that I respectfully submit this appeal, in the 
belief and hope thit your ripe judgment will induce you to correct the error wliich the Acting 
Commissioner has fallen into— perhaps througch hesitation at over-ruling the precedents ac- 
cepted by his absent principal, the Hon. Commissioner. 

Tiie requirement in ■ aptain Lenow's case, that he, a citizen of Tennessee, shall file affidavits 
p>-oving his lovalty during the fate rebellion 1% a legal impossibility and is therefore as flat a 
denial of his bounty jis the decision against Captain Ketchara. 

It has been held by the S ipreme Court that " A.11 the people of each State or district, in in» 
surrecuon against the United States must be regarded as enemies, until by the action of the 
T-egislature and the Executive, or otherwise, that relation is permanently and thoroughly 
changed." [Mrs. Alexander's cotton case, 2 Wallace.] 

It follows, therefore, that all tie people of Tennessee f and Alabama also) were disloyal from 
the date of the President's proclamations fieclaring those States in insurrection, down to the 
removal of the ban by proclamation m 1865. (Japtaius Len-nvand Ketcham were regarded by 
the courts as disloyal through the action of the States in which they resided. 

The States, however, have eince been restored to fellowship in the Union by proclamation of 
the Executive and by the action of <'ongres8; and to say that the stigma of disloyalty still 
attaches to the humble citizen who (derived it from the action of his State, is a most outrageous 
perversion ot law and justice or to say that a resident of one of the late rebellious '~itates shall 
still he held responsible teu years after the commonwealth of which he forms eniofitjitessimal 
part has been purged of its offence, 8eems to me a monstrous pi-oposition. 

It has been intimated that these rulings of the Pension Bureau are b-ised upon whit I con- 
ceive to be a strained interpretation of the act of March 2, 1867— Section 3480 Rev. /Statutes— 
forbidding the settlement of any claim or account of a person who promoted, encouraged, or 
assisted the rebellion, i e., any disloyal person. 

But Capt. Fetcham and Capt. Lfnow have not demanded the payment of any cZrttm or (7ccoMn<. 
1 have, in their behalf, simply filed their declarations supported by tesfimony, that they are 
the identical persons of whom the Government in its generosity declared Ihty shall receives, 
warrant entitling them to one hundred and sixty acres of land as a gnduity. a complimentai-y 
recognition of faithful service to the country, not in fulfillment of a ('ontract or agveement, 
and to which land ihey were declared by the law of 1855 to be entitlod Thev never have 
received 'he land to which they have title by the lawaboverefered to, and no proper proces of 
confiscation has divested them of their title. It is defined as a "Bounty Land-warrant." 
Judge Advocate General Holt {Digest Opin. p. 68,) says: 

"Bounty is held to be a gratuity, and neither pay nor allowance.'''' 

"A sentence [or resolution of Congress?] forfeiting 'pay and allowances' does not forfeit 

In another case referred to in same connection, a soldier had by sentence "forfeited all pay 
and allowances due, and to become due for the balance of his term; but the end of his term 
finding him in an ho7iorable status, he was therefore entitled to an honorable discharge , s^n^ 
having served the proper period entitled to bounty." 

Again, on page '9 : 

'^ t^ pardon, -which wholly relieves the soldier, before the termination of his service, from 
the disability or punishment, which would preclude his receiving an honorable discharge will 
restore his right to bounty whatever may have been his offense." 

It surely follows that a nardon granted for an offense committed after he had acquired a 
right to bounty, restores his right to receive said bounty if not yet given him. Whatever 
offenses were committed by these eoldiers. Captain Lenow and Captain Eeteham, have l)ee» 



IMPbRTAITO BOUNTY LAND DECISIO]rf. 3l 

]pardoned by the Executive.— 5ee proclamations, March26, 1S64. 13 Stat. L., 741; May 29, 1865, 
Ibid, 748; September 1, 1867, 15 Stat. L., 702; July 4, 1868, Ibid 702; December 25, 1868, Ibid 711. 
The last granting iull pardou to all who participated in the rebeilion. 

Chief Justice Chase, in Mrs. Armstrong's case (13 Wallace R, p. 154,) decided that the pro- 
clamation of December 25, 18G8, granted pardon unconditionally and without reservation, 
relifeving a party from all proof of loyalty, or of compliance with the conditions of preceding 
proclamations, or of a special pardon. This pardon blots out their offense." 

The injustice of the I'ension Bureau decisions, forfeiting the lands of these soldiers, eleven 
years after their alleged offence of disloyalty, despite the statute of limitations, cannot better 
be illustrated than by adverting to the fact that hundreds, yea, thousands of comparatively 
youthlul aud robust Ae/rs of deceased militiamen (who appeared for muster, perhaps, during 
14 days on the Northern irontier, in j 812-15, without tiring a gun at the enemy, or marching a 
day's journey from thpir homes,) are continually applying lor and receivmg this gratuity; 
while the old soldiers of the Mexican war who carried our flag intoalar offforeign land, "suffer- 
ing incre<'ible hardships under a ti-opical sun and.in a nialarious climate, acquiring hy their valor 
nearly a million of square miles,'' [Kep. 117 H. It. 44 Cong.,] H40,000,0ug acres of laud, which 
have been added to the public domain, such men are ignored by the nilings established and 
hitherto enforced by officers of the (jiovernment in your Department. 

The Pension bureau is par excellence the ornamental feature of our Government. Every 
patriotic American, irrespective of party, points to it with pride aud admiration. When taxed 
beyond reason to sustain a horde of worthless plunderers— coutractsu-s, etc — it is only neces- 
sary for the tax collector to remind the honest citizen of the benelicence of the Pension Bureau 
in maintainiii,'4, in their age and decrepitude, the veteran soldiers and sailors who have given 
imperishable renown to our Hag throughout the laud and across the seas — the loyal citizen is 
at once reconciled to the situation, ana yields his tribute without a murmur But if those 
same people were made acquainted with the tact, as they should be, that those Avho have been 
appointed to administer the affairs of this office seek to deprive woithy soldiers of a free gift, 
a </ona/jon, bestowed by the Government in due form of law, upon a quibbling jiretext at 
variance with the best legal judgment in the couutry. the ver(dct of the Americ.tn people 
would be, in mj' humble o))iuion, that such officers have not a proper conception of the pa- 
ternal character of the Government; aud at the ballot-box the people would take prompt and 
Oecisive measures to remedy the error. 

I most respectfully rf (lue^t that the decisions referred to be reversed. 

I am, very respectfully , your obedient servant, 

ADEXANDER M. KENADAY, Secretary, 6fc, 
Department of the Intebior— Pension Office, 

Washington, D. C, October 23d, 1876. 

8ik: I have the honor to transmitherewithacopyof the decision of the Hon. feecretary of the 
Interior upon your a])peal from the action of this office in the bounty-land claims of Joseph 
Lenow, No. 332,507. and \Vm. H. Ketcham, No, 332,530, 

Very respectfully, J. A. BBNTLEY, Commissioner. 

A. M. KENADAY, Esq., Present. 

Department or the Interior, 

Washington, D. C, October 19, 1876. 
The Commissioner of Pensions: 

Sir: 1 retura herewith the papers which accompanied your report of the 2l8tult., in the 
cases of Josei)h Lenow. No. :532..507, and William II, Ketcham, No- 332,530, claimants for bounty 
land on accoiint of service in the war with Mexico, whose attorney, j\, M. Ivenaday, Esq., of 
this city ai)i)eals Irom the action of your office rejecting the claim of William H, Ketcham, 
on the ground that lie ai()ed and abetted the rebellion , and requiring evidence to show whether 
Lenow participated in the rebellion. 

The law. bearing upon the question arising in these cases, is contained in the joint resolution 
of March 2, 18 7, which decl:ires that it shall be unlawful for any officer of the United States 
Government to pay any account, claim, or demind against said Government which existed 
prior to the 13th of April, 1861, in favor of any person who liromot' d, encouraged, or in any 
manner sustained the late rebellion, or in favor of any person who during said rebellion, was 
not known to be opi)Osed thereto, and diotinctiy in lavor of its suppression. 

The question whether.this resolution appliea to a claim for bounty land was considered on 
the i8tli/of Jan'y, 1876. In the decision of that date It w^as held "that the grant of a bounty 
land warrant is unquestionably a gratuity; a bounty as its name implies, which may be con- 
ferred upon such ])ersous, or classes of persons as Congress shill choose to llesigu ate, from 
lime to time, full power remaiaing in Congress after sucii designation to change or withdi-aw 
the same at pleasure, the right to obtain the warrant only continuing with the existence of the 
law granting the same. Vv hile the law remains in force the right to the warrant is the subject 
of a claim against the Government in the popular sense of the term, and in my opinion is a 
claim within the provisions of the joint resolution of March 2, 1867. In this class ot cases 
Congress is not dealing with the right in property, and consequently no coustitutional question 
is involved. The effect of tbe joint resoluiion then is ro limit the class of persons entitled to 
bounty land warrants and to exclude from that class all|those who would otherwise be entitled 
under the several acts of Congress, but who fall within the description of persons contained 
in the resolution. Proof of loyalty shoulA therefore be required of persons residing in the 
late insurrectionary States who claim bounty land." 

In the cases under consideration the department adheres to these views- Mr, Kenaday 
maintains that whatever offences were committed by the applicants in these cascs w^e 
pardoned by the executive. 

The joint resolution of March 2, 1867, however, expressly provides that no pardon heretofore 
granted, or hereafter to be granted, shall authorize the payment of any account, claim, or 
demand to which it refers. It is held by this department that Congress had the authority to 
make such restriction in regard to a gratuity granted by it, 



S2 iMPdRtANT BOUNTY LAND DEdlSION. 

The decision Of the Supreme Court of the United States referred to by Mr. Kenaday wag 
rendered in a case involving the right of property, and has therefore no bsaring upon the ap- 
plications under consideration. Your action in the cases is approved. 

Very respectfully, CHAS. T. UORHAM, Acting Secretary. 

REMARKS ON THE FOREGOING. 

The Honorable Secretary of the Interior appears to have entirely ignored a 
previous decision of the Department over which he presides, dated Februbry 27, 
1875, to which his attention was respectfully invited after the appeal above 
printed was filed. The decision above referred to is published on pages 110-13 
of the "Report of the Commissioner of the General Land Office for 1875." 
Secretary Delano, based on the learned opinion of Assistant Attorney General 
W. H. Smith, and several decisions of the Supreme Court therein cited, held the 
joint resolution of *March 2, 1867 '•'-unconstitutional and void.'''' The Assistant 
Attorney General, after quoting the decisions of the Supreme Court, declares 
that they are certainly conclusive of the following points, viz : 1st. That the ef- 
fect of a pardon, either general or special, is to relieve a "claimant" from tlie 
necessity of proving his loyalty during the rebellion, as required by tlie statutes. 
2d. That any statute establishing a different rule is unconstitutional, as abridging 
the power of pardon vested by the Constitution in the Executive. 3d. That the 
proclamation of December 25, 1868, Was a general, unconditional, unlimited par- 
don and amnesty. Notwithstanding the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court 
has decided in the Armstrong case that the proclamation of December 25, 1868, 
has " blotted out the offence" of these Mexican soldiers, and notwithstanding a 
previous Secretary has decided the law upon which this decision is based to be 
unconstitutional, the Acting Secretary now overrides these high authorities and 
rests his case on the luminous doctrines laid down in his own previous decision 
of January 18, 1876, just come to light. The point set up by the Secretary of the 
Interior that " tiie decision of the Supreme Court referred to by Mr. Kenaday 
was rendered in a case involving the inght of ^yroperty, and has therefore no 
bearing upon the applications under consideration," is not sound when critically 
examined. 

Webster defines ''property" as "that to which a person has a legal title 
whether in his possession or wo^," &c. Now the law of 1855 declares these sol- 
diers to be "entitled" [i. e. gives title to] to a land warrant upon presentation of 
proof of identity ; the names of the beneficiaries were of record when the law 
was passed, and the services to the Government had been previously rendered, 
in recognition of which the donation of land was made. Ttiough tiie land was 
not actually in possession of the soldier, their right and legal title to -the same 
was undoubtedly conferred by the law, and the Department is commanded to 
issue the same when the required proof of identity is filed. Compliance witli 
the law makes the warrant, and the land it calls for, theproperti/ of the soldier 
80 complying, and he should not be deprived of liis land without due process 
under the confiscation laws. The Department chooses to set aside the law do- 
nating it, however, and finds its excuse for so doing in a law previously shown 
to be unconstitutional, null and void. 

This infamous statute [March 2, 1867] was passed with the evident design of 
bolstering up the public credit with foreign bondholders at the expense of pub- 
lic honor. It bears on its face a confession of its injustice and deception by an- 
ticipating a time when it is to be modified or repealed. It has been intimated 
by partisan writers, on more than one occasion during the political campaign, 
that this law might serve as a convenient instrument in the hands of unscru- 
pulous political tricksters to wring from tlie holders of national securities a vast 
corruption fund wlierewith to maintain such parties in power, and assuredly this 
backing and filling on the question of its enforcement gives some color of plaus- 
ibility to the charge. But sooner or later tiie people will demand a decision by 
the highest legal tribunal, and not till then can our comrades obtain theirrights, 
of which they have been defrauded by unfaithful agents May Heaven speed 
the day ! In the mean time veterans in the South who have not obtained their 
Bounty Land Warrants should not be deterred by this action from filing their 
applications. They may rest assured that no efforts will be spared to secure for 
them their j ust and legal rights. 



Forwarded by A. M. KENAOAY. Secy. &c.. Lock Box 37. Washington. D. C. 



Q 



^h-i 



-»-«j?. 



■m 



FOURTH ANNUAL REUNION 



JSTational -A.ssociation 



OK 




tl<V 



^leteraiis of \\\c ^^cHicmi ipmr, 



WAriHlNGTuN, D. C, FEBRUARY 22-23-24, 1877, 



CONTAINING 



Minuif's of Procepdiiig!;: List of Officers; Names of Members pres.eni, rirrauged according to 
their services in ^lexico; Report of the Secretary, showing'- number of^ names enrolled by 
States and bv Resriments, fto ; Whole number of troops in Mexican vVar, and probable 
number of survivors. Propos-'d appointment of Hi^torioirraphers for all the i^ejiiments 
serving: in Meviio, ice , Review of the Pension Bill before Congress; Interview with 
Senate Pension Committee; Exposure of the errors in the Pension office Estimate; Pros- 
pect of Success at next Session of Conj^ress, &c., &c. 



I 



PREPARED AND PUBLISHED BY 

ALEXANDER M- KENTADAY 

First Secretary. 




WASHINGTON. 

TH09. J. BRASHEARS, PRINTER. 

1877. 



m- 



■Ml 




**B1.LLT! OlCl ilGJIIl, MEM!" 

The Secretary avails himself of a portion of the space on the cover of the pamphlet to assure 
his comrades that there is iiothinjr discouraging in the situation of our cause. As soon as the 
4/1 th Congress assembles, on the loth of October, the officers at Headquarters will renew the 
petition for a pension in behalt of their membership ; and as the Pension Office vagaries in 
regard to the great number of survivors, and enormous, appropriation required, have been 
exploded by the collection of vital statistics at Headquarters, which artbrd a re asonable basis 
for estimates, it is hard to conjecture what ground of opposition our adversaries will next 
stand upon. We should not. liowever, assume that victory is already achieved, but every 
member should exert whatever influenci! he possesses with the member of Congress from 
his District, and the Senators of his State, to obtain their influence in granting our just 
petition. The solicitation of the poorest man in the Association will command as much res- 
pect from an honorable Congressman, in a case of this kind, as the most distinguished officer, 
and no sentiment of excessive modesty or bashfulne«s should deter a member from lending a 
helping hand to the cause. 

Respectfully submitted, 

^^ILiliiX. :vr. Ii:E:NjVX>iVY, (-secretary. 



THE THKEE-MONTHS EXTRA PAY BIEE. 

The Act of July 19, 184(5, granting three months extra pay to honorably discharged soldiers 
of the Mexican War, was kkim:,aled by the Act of .July 12, 1S7U, which act also repudiated 
honest debts of the Government for horses lost by mounted volunteers in the Mexican War. 
Last year, it will be remembered, the Hon. H. Y. Kiddle, of Tenn., procured the passage of a 
bill by the House to revive the thi*ee-months extra pay law, but it failed to receive the concur- 
rence of the ac'iate before the close of the session. Efforts will be made to get it through the 
next Con^iress. 



Apolo(tKtic. — For nearly two months since the adjournineut of Congress the Secretary 
was confined to his loom by severe illness., and a lar,^e uuuiber of letters received from 
members have not receivea the attention which lie would have otherwise given them. 



ALEXANDER M. KENADAY, 



R 



525 Sixth Street, N. W., Washington, D. C, 

ESPECTFULLY annoul)c♦•^ that lie has coinuieneed rhe uusines^of 

ATTOENEY FOR THE PROSECUTION OF CLAIMS IN ALL THE DEPART- 

AlENTS OF THE GO^ ERNMEXT AND BEFORE I HE 

COMMITTEES OF CONGRESS. 



Having had six years' experience in one of the Departments of the Government as an 
EXAMiNTiU OF CLAIMS, (from whicli he resigned in 1674 on account of increased duties growing 
out of his position as Secretary of the Mexican War Veterans,) he is enabJtd to bring to bear 
in his present vocation a knowledge and fainiliaiity with the details of the business of a 
SOI..ICirOR OF CLAIMS that will rendei hiin useful totuosewho may do him the honor 
to entrust their bu^iness lo his management. Through his official connection with the mem- 
bers of the National Association from the ver>' incipiency of the orgainzaiion of Mexican 
War Veterans he na.s prepared coinpleie list^ of coniiades and their residences, arranged by 
States, regiments, kc, wliich will enable him to ha oi valuable assistance in the presentation 

of SOLDJKllS" AXD SAILOHS' (JLAIMS FOR BOL.VTY, I'EXbluNS, KXTKA lAY, '^UAKTFRMA&TEKS' 

feTOKE.s and all clashes of accounts against the Government. He respectfully solicits a shars 
of patronage from his comrades and their friends, which will be faithfully attended to. 
Address— 

A. M. KEN AD AY, P O. Lock Box 37 Washington, D C. 



(6 



FOURTH ANNUAL REUNION" 



OF THE 



[rSTational A.ssociatioii 



t 



OF 






WASHINGTON, D. C, FEBRUARY 22-23 24, 1877, 



CONTAlNTN(- 



Minutes of Procepdings: List of Officers: Names of Members present, arranged accordinj? to 
their services in uexico; Report of the Secretary, sliovving number of names enrolled by 
State? and bv Regiments, .tc ; VVhole number of troops in Mexican * ar, and probable; 
rinmbtr of Mirvivors; Proposed appointment of Historiographers for all the Regiments 
serving in M^'xico, &e ; Review of the Pension Bill before Cong^e>:^; Interview wiiii 
Senate Pension Committee, Exposure of the errors in the Pension Uflice Estimate; Pros- 
pect of Success, at next Session of Congress, ic, &.f. 



PREPARED AND PUBLISHED BY 

ALEXANDER M- KEISTADAY 

First Secretary. 



WASHINGTON: 

THOS. J. BRASHEARS, PRINTER. 

1877. 



pst of Mtml^tts at SoMrt^i ^nnttal Sonbtntton. 



CLASSIFIED BY REGIMENTS. 



Dragoons 



A H TILLER Y., 



YOLTIGEURS. 
INFAXTHY... 



REGULARS.— By Regiments, &c. 

-1st Regiment.— Bvt. Capt. John Love; 2d Regt.— Bvt. Maj. G-eo. A. H. 
Blake: 3d— Sergt. A, M. Kenaday, (Duperu'.s Co. 2d Batt ) Mounted 
Riflemen.— Capt. John G. "Walker. Lieut, Wm. B. Lane, Lieut. Joseph 
B. Collin?, Robert F. Martin, John T. Lynch, Addison Dent. Marcellus 
Wilson. 

-Ist Regiment.— Michael B. Bowles. Andrew Russell. John Eckweiler. 2d 
— Theo. Clifton, Dominic Duffy, Albert Gruber, Samuel A. Pittf^, N. 
H. Stevens. John Waters, Reuben Sugden. 3d — Bvt. Capt. W. T. Sher- 
man, Lt. A. E. Bnrnside, Thomns W. Sims, Ralph J. Squire. 4th — Lt. 
S. M. Gouverneur. Sergt. Maj. E. R. Biles, James Bremner, Hezeklah 
Gut.- hall. Ordnance SiegeTrain— Stark B.Taylor, Joseph M. M(;Cauley, 
James Noon an. 

-1st Lieut. James Tilton. Isaiah Dean, Thomas Johnson, .T. B. Merritt, 
Benjamin Ogle, 

-1st Regiment.— A. R. French. 2d— Bvt. Maj. S. P. Heintzelman, William. 
Anderson, Martin Kelly. 3d— Peter H. AUabach, 4th— Bvt. Maj. Beuj. 
Alvord. Sergt. Theodore G-regg. oth— Charles F. Bowers, Bernard Dun- 
haft, Nicholas Fooks, Charles Becker, Chester Andrews. 6th— Thomas 
Bridges, Hugh Masterson. 7th— Bvt. 1st Lieut, S. B. Maxey, John G. 
Braymau, Sergt. Peter Maloney, 8th— Lieut. T. G. Pitcher, James AVatts, 
filth— Col. Jones M. AVithers. Bvt. Lt. Col. F. T- Lally, John F. Marsh. 
lOth — Capt. Robert C. Morgan, Robert Hamilton. 11th— John Meyers. 
]2th— Captain James W. Denver, Willard Ayers. 13th— Lt. Col. J. M. 
Withers. 1.5th— J. M. H. Martin. 16th— Lt. S. V. Niles, Chas. R. Otis. 

-Lt. Col. Charles Thomas, Capt. Alex. Montgomery, Capt. G. V. Hebb, 
Thomas Croggin. .Tames Foy, A. G-. Boone, David Jackson, Edward 
.Johannes. 

-John Fallon, Chris. Long, Anton Lehmann, Maurice O'Conner. John 
Roach, Theodore Sniffin, Peter Weber. 

-SurgeonJChas, D, Maxwell, J^t. Fabius Stanly, Passed Midshipman J, N, 
T. Arnold, Van Rensselaer Morgan, Joseph MoUere, Francis O'Neill, John 
B rowers, Daniel Boston. .T. W. Davis. Charles W. G-ordon, James Mc- 
Donough, Francis Merritt. .Tnhn Thompson, .Tohn R. Cxould. Levy Louisr. 
.Tohn Hendley. , 

VOLUNTEERS— By States. 

Alabama — Lt. W, H. Forney. 4th Inf. 

Arkansas —Captain Albert Pike. 1st Cavalry. 

California — Captain John A. Sutter. 

Indiana —1st Inf. — John Carter. 3d do— Lt. John M. Lord. Nehemiah Hayden. 4t.h 

do— Capt. Edward Lander. .Oth— Lt. J. M. Lord. 
Illinois —1st Inf.— George S, Fisher. 3d— I. S. Warmoth. Cavalry — Georce F. 

White, Lt. John A. Logan. R. Q,- M., Richard J.Oglesby. 



Q.M.Dept 

TJ. S. Marines. 
T7. S. Navt 



LIST OF MEMBERS AT FOURTH A^^NUAL CONVENTION 



Iowa 

Xkntvcky. 



LOl'ISIAXA 

Maryland 



MASSArnUSETTS. 

Michigan - 

AllSSIRSIPPI 

MissorRi - 



NFW Yf)KK 

Ohio 

Pknnsyi \ am a 

Tennusskk 

Tkxas 

\lROINI \ 



WTStONSIN 

MiSCELf.AVKOt. : 



-John C. Martin, Morgan's cavalry. 

-1st Cavalry— Lieut. G-reen Clay Smith. 1st Inf.— Francis M. Schell. 4Th 

— Chas.D. Pennebaker. 
-3d Inf. — Capt. G Mason Graham. A. M. Kenaday, Edward Byrne. Inde- 
pendent company— Captain J. R. West. 
-IsJ. Ratt. Md. and D. C. Vols.— Capt. F. B. Schaeffer, Con. A. Blanchard. 

Thos. Dwyer, Patrick H. English. A. J. Hurdle. Thomas P. Morris, H. 

B. Robertson, .Tohn Wood, George Fastnaught, Wm. E. Dement, Gilbert 

Murdock. M Regt. Md. and I). C. Vols.— Capt W. H. Degges, Capt. F • 

B. Schaeffer. Lt. F. A. Klopfer, Lt. Benj. R. West, Sgt Maj. John 

Brannan, Samuel Clark, Daniel Smith. Wm. H. Nalley, Henry Ingle. 

Patrick Gormley, Alfred Fairall, Charles' Kloman. John H. Locke. 

Joshua Lloyd. J. B Llewellyn. George W. McLane, John H. Thompson. 

Fannin Bernard. David G. Murray, John G. Fury. Anthony Gray. 
-Capt. Edward A. Paul. Nelson Felt. 
-LI. Col, Alpheus S. Williams 
-Capt. A. B. Corwine, E. A. Peyton. 1st Rifles: Capt. J. B. Deason, W. B. 

Tanner. 2d Rifles. 
■Wm. A. Piper, W. L. Parrin. Stephen Decatur, H. G. Fant, of 1st Cavalry; 

Lt. Thomas T. Crittenden. .3d Cav.; John Jackson. 4th Cav.; Captain 

James Craig, .Mh Cav.; John T. Neale, Batt. Art.; Myron H. Mills, A. A. 

Surgeon. 
-S. G. Merrill and A. A. Green, 1st (Cal.) Inf.: W. B. Parisen. M. L. Dorn. 

2d (Burnett's) Inf. 
-Capt S. VV. .Tohnston, 1st Inf.; Samuel C. Mickum, 2d Inf.; Lt. Col. George 

W. Mc(\iok. Lt. Isaac E. Eaton. .3d Inf.; Charles N. Allen, 4th Inf.; Lieut. 

R. B. Mitchell, Mahl -^n D. Montis, .5th Inf. 
-Kdw.ird Atkins, H. M. Col«\ 1st Inf.: Lt. J. C. Kretschmar. Lt. J. A.Doyle, 

2d Infantry. 
Wm. J. Smith, Wheat'- Rangers. 
-J. W. Throckmorton, .')th Cav.. 
Capi. E. C. Carrington. Cipt. M. D. Corse. Lieut. W. M. Levy. Ij. A. Fitz- 

hugh. Wm. Hagan, .Tohn L. Hunter. 
-John A. Clark, Knowlton's Cav. 
-(Record not on File) John DoUinger. Wm. CoUigan. Wm. L. Tidball. Wm. 

Williams. 



FOURTH ANNUAL REUNION 

1; 



OF THE 



National Association of Vetbr^ans 

OF THE 

MEXICAN VV^AR. 



Washington, D, C, Fphruary 22, 1877. 

At 11 o'clock, a. m., in accordance with the programiTh'^ adopted by the Com- 
mittee of Arrangements of the local ''Association of Veterans of 1846,'" the 
National Association assembled at Willard Hall, which had been eno^a^ed for 
the purpose. The sta^e was appropriately decorated with flails of the army and 
navy, and seats were arrano^ed thereon for the president and vice presidents of ' 
the several State and Territorial org-anizations. The chairs in the rear of the 
hall were free to spectators, while enrolled members occupied the front o i pre- j 
sentation of credential cards, certifyin«? tb^m as entitled to participate in the | 
proceedings of the National Association. 

The following gentlemen composed the committees of Reception and of Ar-j 
rangementson the part of the District of Columbia Association : 

Receidion Committee. — Gen. J W. Denver, President; Genf^ral W. T. Sher- 
man, Maj. Gen. S. P. Heintzelman, Bri^. Gen. Benj. Alvord, Co). T G. Pitcher. 
Lt. Col. Alex. Moiitgoraery, Major A. J. Dallas, all of U- S. A.; Rear Admiral 
F. Stanly, Surg Gen. C. D^ Maxwell, Capt. A. W. .Johniion, Commander H. N. 
T. Arnold, all of U. S. N.; G*^n. Albert Pike. Gen. T. T. Crittenden, Gen. G. 
Mason Graham, Col. F. T. Lally, Hon. Edward Lander, A. M. Kenaday, Secre- 
tary. 

Comynittee of Arrangements —Messrs. M. D. Montis, S. V Niles, H. G. Fant, 
S. G. Merrill, J. T. Lynch, Joshua Clark, David Jackson, Col. P. H. AllabMch, 
Col Theo Gregg, Daniel Smith, John T. Norris, James Fov, John Brannan, 
A. J. Hurdle. 

The hall was comfortably filled with members, and spfctaitors residing in 
Washington, who attended to witness the openinsr of proceedin'^s. 

Gen. James W. Denver, the President of the ISTational A^^sociation, at 11:15 
called the meeting to order, greeting the members from abroad with a hearty 
welcome, and congratulating them on the prospect of speedy action by the Sen- 
ate upon the memorial submitted to Congrt^ss thre*- years ago, in behalf of their 
olci comrades The bill, which embraced all the material points asked for by 
the Convention of January, 1874, had met. he st^id, with signal favor in the 
House of Representatives, where it passed on the 4th of January, and was now 
before the Senate Committee on Pensions, to whom had also been referred reso- 
lutions from twelve or fifteen State Legislatures strongly urging its passage. He 
thought if tne members of the Convention prpsent urged its consideration with 
some degree of energy th^re was little doubt of success even during this troubled 
session ; and rhat if it failed now we would have to perform all our work over 
again, and God only knows how many of us would be spared to enjoy its bene- 
fits in that event. Most of us are well past the meridian of life now, said the 



PROCEEDINGS OF NATIONAL,; ASSOCIATION 7 

President, and the vast niajority of our members look to those of us who can 
afford to attend these unnuai reunions to accomplish a g^ood v'ork in then- behalf 
while enjo^Mn^- aL-o a brief visit: to the Capital of the nation. 

The President, at the conclusion of his remarks, directed the Secretary, Mr. A. 
M. Kenaday, toivad the Constitution and By-Tiawa of the Association for the 
information and <;uid.ince ot members in their d^^liberations, to wit : [For more 
convenient reference tlie Constitution, By-Laws (which should appear in this con- 
nection) and "Order of Business," are printed on pajr<^ two of this pamphlet.] 

A proposition was here made for the appointm<Mit uf a "'Committee on Creden- 
lialff," bur the President thouijht such action unnecessary inasmucii as the Con- 
stitution just read and the records would show who were entitled to membership; 
and he su*jf<4ested tliat those veteians present wlio had not reo^istered theirnamts 
prior to tlie meeuinii, should now come forward. 

Several new names were added to the roil of members present. [The com- 
plete list of members in attendance is printed on pa^es 4 and 5of this pamphlet j 

Tlie roll of officers \\as then called wiieii the following were found to be regis- 
tered and in attendance : President, Gen. J. W. Denver; 1st Vice President, Gen. 
John Love, of Jndiana; Secretary, Alex M. Kenaday; Marshal, Gen. E. K. 
Biles, of Penn.; J'leasuivr, Capt. Samuel V. Niles ; Finance Committee, Major 
Oi^n. S. P. lleintzelman. U. S. A.; Capt. S. V. Niies, and Mahlon D. Moniic, 
Esq And the ioUowini;- V. P. and C. of A., viz : Gen. Benjamin Alvord, for 
the Army ; Hear Admiral Fabius Stanly, for the Navy ; Gen. Albert Pike, of D, 
C.; Col. George S. Fisher, of Georgia; Gen. G. Mason Graham, for La.; Col, 
Joseph Jl. Kuddach, lor Md ; Gen. Alpheus S. Williams, for Michigan ; Capt. 
Charles F. Bowers, lor New Jersey; Dr. M. H. Mills, for New York ; Col. C. 
N. Allen, for Ohio : Gen. A. E. Burnside, for Khode Island ; Gen. S. B. Maxe y, 
lor Texas; Gen James Tilton. for Washington Territory; M. L. Dorn, for 
West Virg.nia. 

During the roll-call of officers an animated discussion took place in reo;ard to 
the correctness of the report of proceedings at Philadelphia, and the distribution 
of badges, which threatened some disturbance of the harmony which ought to 
prevail, but Gen. John Love, of Indiana, averted it by a few well chosen remarks, 
conclu(iing by olteriug tlie following resolution, whicli passed unanimously : 

lieauUtd. 1. — That a committee of five be appointed to examine and report 
upon any dilleieuces which may exist as to the minutes of the Philadelphia 
meeting. 2 — That this committee report whether the will of the Association 
lias been carried out in the selection, mantifacture and distribution of the Badge. 
3. — Any other matters toucning the good and welfare of tne A.ssociation. 

The loUowing gentlemen were selected by the President as said Committee : 
Gen. JoMi Love, (Lst. \ . P.) of Indiana; Col. Joseph H. Ruddach, President of 
the Baltimore Association ; Judge J. B. Deason, President of the Mississippi 
State Association ; Gqw. Edwin K. Biles, of Philadelphia Scott Legion, and Mar- 
shal of the National Association ; Mahloa D. Montis, Esq., of Ohio, member of 
Finance Commit.ee. 

The Convention took a reces? to enable the Committee of Inquiry to hear the 
testimony and statements, and to deliberate on the important questions submit- 
ted to them. 

*♦♦ + ♦*** 

[ rhe proceedmgs before the Committee of Inquiry are withheld from publica- 
tion at this time by request of the Finance Committee.] 

♦ */♦ * ♦ ♦ * ♦ 

After the recess, on motion of Col. James Craig, the Chair appointed the fol- 
lowing gentlemen as a special committee to wait upon the President of the 
L'nited States and ascertain at what hour it would be convenient to receive the 
members of tt.e Association in a body, who desired to pay their respects to the 
Chief Magistrate of the Nation, viz.: Col. James Craig, Col. L S. Warmoth and 
Gen. 'J . T. t'littenden. 

[rhe Committee reported, at a later stage of the proceedings, that President 
Giant would be happy to meet the members at llj o'clock, a. m., to-morrow, 
February 23u.] 



8 Proceedings of the national association 

On motion of Gen. George W. McCook, a special committee of one member 
from each State present, was authorized to confer with the Senate Pension Com- 
mittee, and to respectfully urge immediate action upon the biU now before them, 
which had passed the House early in January. 

A request was also embodied in the resolution that the Senators and Kepre- 
sentatives in Congress who had >*erved in the Mexican War, should also be in- 
vited to co-operate with the Committee of the Association. 

The following gentlemen were named by the body of the meeting and ap- 
pointed by the President as said Committee : 

For the Association at Large. — Gen. Geo. W. McCook, of Ohio ; Gen. John 
Love, of Indiana; Gen. T. T. Crittenden, of District of Columbia; President J. 
W. Denver and Secretary A. M. Kenaday. 

Senators and Represe^iiativps. — Senators John A. Logan and R. J. Oglesby, of 
IlL; A. E Burnside, of Rhode Island; S. B. Maxey, of Texas; J. R. West, of 
La. Representatives, Wm. A. Piper, of Cal.; VVm. R. Morrison, of 111., Wm. 
M. Levy, of La.; J. W. Forney, of Ala.; J. W. Throckmorton, of Texas; Aipheus 
S. Williams, of Mich. 

Alaha^na Capt. George V. Hebb. ; Mississipjn E. A. Peyton, Esq. 

Arkansas Willard Ayers. : Missouri John Jackson, Esq. 

California Gen. John A, Sutter. ' Nevada Fran k M. Schell, Esq. 

Colorado Col. Stephen Decatur. \ iV^^w; Je7-se;y.... Capt. Charles. F. Bowers. 

Dist. Columbia Capt. F. A. Klopfer. \ New Fork W. L. Tidbail, Esq. 

Georgia Col. George S. Fisher, i North CaroUna....\N m. T Tanner, Esq. 

J/Jinois CR Otis, Esq. ' Ohio Charles N. Allen, Esq. 

Indiana Hon. Edward M. Lander, j Oregon Gen. James Tilton. 

Kansas ....Col. Isaac E. Eaton. ; Pennsylvania Gen. E. R. Biles. 

Kentucky . ...Gen. Green Clay Smith. Tennessee Hon. W. J. Smith, 

Louisiana Edward Byrne, Esq. j Texas Col. L. H. Fitzhugh. 

Maryland L. F. Beeler, Esq. Vi'>^ginia Gen. M. D. Corse. 

Massachusetts.,. Col. John F. Marsh. West Virginia Dr. John H. Hunter. 

Michigan Gen. A. S. Williams. ; Wisconsin John A. Clark, Esq. 

Minnesota A. R. French, Esq. 

The President announced that information had been privately received from 
the Capitol that the delegation would have a hearing before the Senate Com- 
mittee on Pensions, to-morrow, at 2 p. m. 

the finding of the committee on inquire . 

Gen. John Love, of Indiana, presenter! the following, which was unanimously 
adopted by the Association : 

Mk. President: Your Committee appointed under the following resolution, 
to wit : ''KesoLved. — 1st. That a Committee of five be appointed to examine 
and report upon any differences which may exist as to the minutes of the Phila- 
delphia meeting ; 2d. That this Committee report whether the will of the Asso- 
ciation has been carried out in the selection, manufacture and distribution of the 
Badge ; 3d. Any other matters touching the good and welfare of the Associa- 
tion." Beg leave to report the following : 

In regard to the published report of the proceedings of the Association at Phil- 
adelphia, we recommend that the following corrections be made : That the offi- 
cers named by the New York Association were Col. W. L. Tidbail, as Vice 
fresident, and Wm. Colligan as Council of Administration ; and that tlie nomi- 
nations made by that delegation must have evidently escaped the ear of the 
President. 

Your Committee further report that the will of the Association has been car- 
ried out in the selectiori^ manufacture and distribution of the Badge, and recom- 
mend the adoption of the following resolution : 



OF THE VETERANS OF THE MEXICAN WAK. 9 

Rradved, That the members of llie Association be permitted to wear the Badge 
m any metal or aize, conforming only to the design heretofore adopted * 

JOliN LOVE, ^ 

J. H KUDDACH, | 

[SIGNED] J H DEASON, ^Oo iiiiiit: 8. 

M D. MONTIS, I 

E. K. BILES, J 

THANKS TENDERED TO PRESIDENT AND SECRETARY. 

On motion of Cupt. Charles F. Bowers, V. P., for New Jersey, the following 
resolution was ado()ted : 

fiesoivfd. TliHt the thanks (»f ihi' National As-ociation of the Mexicm War 
Veterans be tendered to the President, Gen. J. W. Denver, and to Alt-c M. 
Kenaday, Esq., Secretary, for their unremitting ettbrts in promoting the interest 
of this Association and of all local organizations. 

ANNUAL REPORT OF THE SECRETARY. 

The President called for the reading of the Secretary's annual exhibit of the 
work of the Association, pertaining to liis office, which n herewith given in 
full. 



SECRETARY KENADAY'S REPORT. 

Gen. J. W. Denver, I^res. JS'at. As)s'n of Veterans of the Mexir.an War. 

GENERAL: The transactions of my oftice ?>ince last July, when the Secretary's 
Annual Report for 1870 was submitted and approved by the membeis assembled 
in Philadelphia, are summed up as follows : 

PRINTING PROCEEDINGS oF CENTENNIAL REUNION. 

The nu-elinji at Philadelphia having provided no means for printing and cir- 
culating its proceedings, there was no other alternative but to print them at my 
individual expense, riie Finance Committee of the Association were naturally 
averse to another experiment in levying assessments on the States through the 
several Vice Presidents and Councils of Administration, who could, in most 
castas, respond only by drawing on their own pockets, and I consetited to an 
arrangement, which was published in the pamphlet over the names of the com- 
mittee, by wliich each recipient of the book was requested by the committee to 
contribute 50 or 2;" cents, or such smaller donation in postage stamps as he might 
feel able to give fur that purpose. A book has been prepared in which all dona- 
lions of this character, amounting to 10 cents and upward have been entered in 
alphabetical ordt:r, with date of reception, which shows the total receipts to date, 
^103. yj The C).-t (tf the pamphlet, in detail, was as follows: Printing, fold- 
Hig, and stitching, $154.77; paper. 8100; 7,000 newspaper wrappers, $78.40; 
direciinj; same, .'^i^iS. Total $361.17. Biingaloss on actual outlay of S207 22. 

During the year 1876 two other publications were made by me and circulated 
to all the menlber-hip, the lirst being the proceedings of the meeting of officers 
on the 22d of February and the second, in June, containing the change of pro- 
gramme at Philailelph'ia, with the correspondence i-elative to free passes from 
Texas and California, and change of programme at Philadelphia. 



* NOTii —In accordance with the above resoluiion. and in conipliancK with theexpre <- 
Ved wisiesofmany irieaiUt rt*, an exact copy of the |.ateuted medal ti. miniaturk sizk 
(suitable for a watch-cbaim or pin) will be manufactured and sold >d\v to iljo.^e. who 
nave proven ilieajselved entiti<-.l i-.the ir rger nie.lal, ;ina "^v ho-'e n lUi.-.- .re enrolled ani 
numbered outhd Reyister otlhe Xatioual Association. Set notice on the cover o) pavi- 
phlet. 



10 PROCEEDINGS OF THE NAIIONAL ASSOCIATION 

WHOLE NUMBER OF KNOWN SURVIVORS, RESIDING IN THE SEVERAL STATES. 

[Feb. 22, 1877.] 

It will be remembered that my last annual report showed the whole numbor 
of survivors whose namesand residences had been learned and grouped tog^ether 
by States, footed up about 5,500. To-day they number about 6,250. The in- 
crease is owinoj to the wider publicity given to the movement by the Centennial 
meeting. The State lists foot up as follows, Feb. 20, 1877 : 

Alabama 130 | IN'evada and Territories 285 

Arkansas 228 New England States 96 

California 840 ; New York 183 

North Carolina 96 

Ohio 315 

Oregon 93 

Pennsylvania 246 

South Carolina 71 

Tennessee 253 

Texas 789 



Dist. of Columbia 167 

Georgia 36 

Illinois 553 

Indiana 188 

Iowa — 13:4 

Kansas 110 

Kentucky • 161 

Louisiana 116 1 Virginia 200 

Maryland 112 j West Virginia 37 

Michigan 177 j Wisconsin 117 

Minnesota 65 

Mississippi 220 | Total 6,250 

Missouri 228 I 

I have, in addition to the above, names enough to swell the total to 7,000, per- 
haps ; but the residences and doubtful records of service of the additional 750 
hardly warrant me in enrolling them as raembero. and I will not be justitifd in 
forwarding prepaid printed matter to them after this year, without some assur- 
ance by wrirten acknowledgment that the parties to whom it i? sent receive the 
same. 

During the past year considerable labor has been expended in eliminating 
from the statements of service fikd wiih the Secretary, which constitute the 
records of the Association, such information as cannot fail to prove interesting 
to members and to the general public. This memoranda classifies the names of 
members by State regiments and companies, etc., (that is, those persons who. 
have made " written application" to be enrolled as members, supplying full in- 
formation in regard to their service in ti e Mexican war.) The subjoined table, 
prepared from this memoranda, shows the number of survivors who have liter- 
ally complied with Art. VI of the Constitution of the Association, in respect to 
their becoming meuibers of the same, and who should be so regarded, without 
further ceremony, on acceptance of this report. It also shows the number of 
persons who have been s^uppiied with the medal-badge, whicii is the insignia of 
membership. Ft will be seen that the Volunteer Regiments, Battalions, etc.. 
are numbered in accordance with the date of muster into U. S. service as re- 
ported by the .Adjutant General of the Army, December 3, 1849, and it was 
absolutely necessary to adopt this system for the sake of uniformity iti keeping 
our records, and in maiking the badges. 

The aggregate of members thus far enrolled is 4,629, leaving only 1,621 (of the 
6,250) yet to complete their claim to membersuip by a full statement of their 
services The number of medals issued, to date, is 3,097. 



STATEMENT SHOWIiVG NUMBER OF ENROLLED MEMBERS BY REGIMENTS, aC. 11 



STATEMENT SHOWING NUMBER OF ENROLLED MEMBERS BY 

REGIMENTS, &c. 



REGULAR ESTABLISHMENT. 



COMMANDINC' OFFICER. £ 

1^ 









Engineers, Topographical i 

Engineers 

Ordnance Department 

First Dragoons 

Second Dragoons i 

Third Dragoons 

Mounted Riflemen 

First Artillery 

Second " 

Third " 

Fourth " ; 

First Infantry 

Second Infantry 

Third " " 

Fourth " 

Fifth " ! 

Sixth " 

Seventh " , 

Eighth " ; 

Niniii " I 

Tenth " 

Eleventh '* 

Twelfth " 

Thirteenth " , 

Fourteenth " 

Fifteenth " 

Sixteenth " '. . . . 

V'oltigeurs 

Marine Corps 

Revenue Marine 

Xa vy 

Medical Depariuient 

'^r. Mr. Departn)eril 

Total, 



Col. J. J. Abert ! 

" J. G. Totten 

" H. K. Craig 

'• R. B. Mason 

" W. S. Harney 

'' E. G. W. Butler 

" P. F. Smith 

Lt. Col. Benj. K. Pierce. .. 
Col. J. Bankhead 

" W. Gates , 

Lt. Col. M. AT. Payne.... 
Col. W. Davenport 

'' B.Riley : 

Lt. Col. E. A. Hitchcock: 

" John Garland 1 

'• J. S. Mcintosh 

Col. N. S. Clarke 

Lt. Col. J. Plympton 

Col. W. J. Worth 

Cols. Ram son & Withers 
Col. R . E. Temple ......; 

" A. C. Ramsey i 

" M. L. Bonham 

" R. M. Echols i 

" W. Trousdcde j 

" G. W. Morgan ...'... 

" J. W. Tibbaits ! 

" T. P. Andrews \ 

'* A. Henderson 

Acting with Navy | 

Gulf & Pacific Sq I 

Hosp. Stewards etc i 

Way;<>nmasiers, etc , 



1 




1 


2 




3 


18 


3 


1 31 


32 


7 


1 39 


33 


8 


41 


45 


7 


. 53 


41 


18 


i 59 


28 


16 


! 44 


31 


11 


1 43 


40 


12 


52 


25 


n 


\ 42 


26 


10 


! 36 


32 


13 


45 


27 


10 


37 


21 


12 


33 


32 


16 


48 


20 


23 


43 


20 


11 


31 


16 


7 


23 


21 


11 


32 


20 


6 


26 


27 


12 


39 


23 


12 


35 


22 


9 


31 


13 


10 


23 


48 


20 


68 


30 


19 


49 


29 


6 


35 


20 


6 


26 


3 




3 


167 


35 


203 


3 




3 


62 


... 


62 



978 



47 1325 



12 STATEMENT SHOWING NUMBER OF ENROLLED MEMF-ERS BY REGIMENTS, &C. 



VOLUNTEERS. 

Rejiiments, &c., nnmbeivd accordinjr 
to date of muster, as per Adjutant 
General's report of Dec. 3, 1849. 



Alabama. 



Arkansas. 



California 
Florida. . . 
Georgia 



Illinois. 



Indiana. 



Iowa. 



Kentucky. 



Louisiana. 



.1st Reg. Inf.. 
2d Batt. " . . 
3d Batt. " .. 
4th Reg. " . . 
5th Batt. ' • . . 
Cavalry Co. . . 
.1st Reg Cav. . 
2d Batt. " 
8d Co. '' 
Batt . Vols. (fee. 
.Co. Infantry. . 
.Kst Reg Inf.. . 
2d Bait. " . . 
Cav. Battalictn 
Cavalry Co. . . 
.1st Keg. Ibf. 
2d Reg. Inf. . . 
3d " " .. 
4th " " .. 
5th " " .. 
6th " " .. 
1st Cav. Com. 
2d " 
3d '' 
4th " 

.1st Reg. Inf... 
2d •' " .. 
3d " ^' . 
4th " " . . 
5th " " . . 
.1st Cav. Co .. 
2d " " .. 
1st Inf. " . . 
Mormon Batt. 
.1st Reg. Cav. 
1st " Inf. 
2d " 
3d " 
4th " 

Indep't Co... . 
. Ar'. & Inf. lial 
2d Inf. Regi.i 
3d " 
4tl: " 
5th " 
(itb " 
7tlj '' 

Ca '. Batt 

Ind'ptlnf. Co. 
10 h Inf. Reg. 
11th Inf. Batt. 



COMMANDING OFFICER. 



Col. .1. M. Withers 

Lt. Col. P. H. Raiford., 

Capt. W. H. Pratt 

Col. J. R. Coffey 

Maj J. I. Seibels 

Capt. J. McGee 

Col. A. Yell 

'' W. Gray 

Capt. S. B. Enyart 

Lt. Col. J. C. Fremont.. 
Capt. R. G. Livingston, 

Col. H. R. Jackson 

Lt. Col. J. G. Seymour. , 
" .J. H. Calhoun. . , 

Capt. J. Loyall 

Col. .J. J. Hardin 

" W. H. Bissell 

" F. Foreman 

" E. D. Baker 

" E. W.B. Newby... 

" .1. Collins 

Capt. A. Dunlap 

" W. B. Stapp 

" M. K. Lawler 

'' .1. Littell 

Col J. P. Drake 

" Josepli Lane 

" J. H. Lane 

" W. A. Gorman. ... 

" J. H. Lane 

Capt. J. Parker , 

" .J. M. Morgan 



Lt. Col. P. St. G. Cooke. 
Col. H. Marshall 

" S. Ormsby 

" W. R. McKee 

" M. V. Thompson. . . 

" J. S. Williams 

Capt. .J. S. Williams 

Maj. L. Gaily 

Coi. .]. B. Walton 

" S. F. Marks 

" J. H. Dakin 

" H. Davis 

" Balie Peyton. 

" E. Featherston 

Lt. Col. W.F. Biscoe... 
Capt. A. G. Blanchard. . 
Col. L. G. DeRussy.... 
Lt. Col. C. Fiesca 



13 
P ^ cc -^-^ as 



^ W 



51 
20 

2 
46 

4 

1 
41 

2 
13 

8 
11 



47 
23 
15 
28 
15 
10 
6 
10 
1 
1 
39 
17 
15 
25 
24 



3 

2 

15 

25 

26 

23 

19 

27 

1 

3 

9 

20 

7 

9 

19 

14 

14 

is 



23 



STATEMENT PHOWTNG NUMBER OF ENROLLED MEMBERS BY REGIMENTS, &C. 13 



VOLUNTEERS. 

T?pp;imentK, &c.. nmnberpri according 
tu date of muster, .'is per Adjutant 
General's report of Dec. .3, 1849. 



COMMANDING OFFICER. 



Md. & Dt8t. ('ol. 1st Inf. Batt. 

2d Reg. V(.ls.: 
Massachusetts: Infantry Iiegt.| 
Michigan Infantry Regt. [ 

Ind. Company 
M1SSIS.S11T1 1st Infantry. . . 

2d - ..I 

3d '• .1 

NewMex. Vols. Company Cav.! 

Bent's Ranglrs ! 

Missouri 1st Infantry. . . I 

2d " ■ ..! 

3d 

1st Cavalry. . . ; 

2d " ... 

3d " ...I 

4th " ... 

oth " ... 

6th " ...j 

Light Art. Bat. [ 

Inf. Bait I 

New Jersey Infantry Batt. j 

New York Isl Infantry . . 

2d Inf. 1423 en.; 
North Carolina Infantry Reg.' 
Ohio". 1st Infantry. . 

2d 

3d - ..; 

4tb " ..! 
5th " ..I 
Ist Inf. Co. . . . i 
2d " " ...I 
Cavalry " ... 
C'p Wash. Vols 

Pennsylvania . . Isi Infantry . . 
2d 

Santa Fe Battalion 

South Carolina Infantry Reg.! 

TENNtssLE Cavalry Reg. . 

1st Inf. Regt. 
2d - - , 
3a - " 
4th " " ! 
5th " " I 
Co. Rangers . . 

Texas 1st Cav. Regt.; 

2d " " i 
3d " 

4th Inf " I 
5th Cav Batt. I 
6th " Regt 



Lt. Col. W. H. Watson 
Col. G. W. Hughes 

" C. Cnshing 

" T. B. W. Stockton 

Capt. M. L. Gage 

Col. J Davis 

" R. Davis 

" J. P. Anderson. . . . 

Maj. S. Owens 

Capt. Bent 

Col. A. R. Easton 



Col. T. H. Holt 

" A. W. Doniphan. 

" S. Price 

Lt. Col.D. Willock... 
Col. J. Ralls 

" L. E. Powell 

'' W. Gilpin 

Maj. M. L. Clarke.... 



Lt. Col. J. Woodruff. 
Col. J. D. Stevenson.. 
Col. Ward B. Burnett. 
Col. R. T. Paine 

" A. M. Mitchell... 

" G. W. Morgan... 

" S. R. Curtis 

" C. H. Brough 

" W. Irvin 

Capt. W. Kenneally.. 

" R.F. Riddle 

" J. R. Duncan. . . 

Hawkins... 

Col. '^. M. Wynkoop. 

" W. B. Roberts. .. 

Maj. R. Walker 

Col. P. M. Butler 

" J. E. Thomas.. .. 

" W. B. Campbell. 

" W. T. Haskell. .. 

'• B. F. Cheatham. 

" R. Waterhouse. . . 

" G. R. McClellan. 
Cap';. C. R. Wheat... 
Col. J. C. Hays 

" G. T. AVoud 

" W. C. Yt)ung. . . . 

" A. S. Johnston.. 
Maj. M. H. Chevallie. 
Col. J. C. Hays 



■:: S fee. 

S ? 03 



25 

28 

1 

54 

45 

21 

1 

1 

12 

14 



40 
40 
12 
37 
9 

14 

17 

2 

8 

67 
33 
36 
19 
19 
38 
38 
23 

i 
3 
1 
48 
49 
12 
32 
30 
46 
37 
35 
15 
23 
4 
41 
53 
23 
26 
24 
52 



a 



8 

2 

5 

26 

18 

4 

15 

2 

3 

9 

"1 
14 

106 
41 
12 
20 
35 
15 
10 



7 

22 

4 

15 

17 

11 

16 

10 

7 

9 

2 

2 

3 

7 

1 

4 



14 STATEMElsT SHOWING NUMBER OF ENROLLED MEMBERS BY REGIMENTS, &C. 



VOLUNTEERS. , 

Regiments, &c., numbered according: 

to date of muster, as per Adjutant 

General's report of "Dec. 3, 1849. ! 



Texas 7th Cavalry. . . 

8th Cav. Batt.! 
9th " " ; 
1st Rangers Col 
2d " " ! 
3d '' " I 
4th " 
5th " " ' 
6th " " I 
7th Inf. Co... 
8th " " ...I 
9th " " ... 
10th " " ... 
nth Spy Cav. 
12th Indian " 
Tex. Eng.C'ps 
Tex. Vol. St'ffj 
Walker's Rangers Cav. 

Virginia Reg. Infantry. 

Wisconsin Inf. Company 



COMMANDING OFFICER. 



Col. J. C. Hays 

Maj. T. J. Smith 

Lt. Col. P. H. Bell.... 
Capt. J. T. Price 

" P. H. Bell 

" D. C. Cady 

" B. McCulloch 

" E. Chandler 

" M. B. Gray 

" W. R. Shivers.... 

" P. E. Conner 

" M. B. Lamar 

" S. P. Ross 

" B. McCulloch.... 

" Blackbeaver. . . , 

Maj. Anderson 

Gen. J. P. Henderson. 

Capt. S. Walker 

Col. J, F. Hamtramck 
Capt. W. Knowlton.. 




21 
14 
17 
1 
1 
1 
7 
1 
3 



1 

1 

4 

40 

'4 



Total of Volunteers, 
Total of Regulars, . . 



2119 

978 



1185 
347 



Aggregate Enrolled I 3097 1532 



3304 
1325 



4629 



Analysis of the foregoing table shows an average of about 41 survivors to each 
of tlie 25 'Regular"" regiments enumerated; an average of 45 survivor.* to the 5 
Indiana 'Volunteer" reiiiments; of 43 to 5 Kentucky regiments ; and of 46 to 
the 5 Ohio regiments. It must be borne in mind that thee calculations are 
based on*a total of 4,629 of the enrolled survivors, being as far as mj?^ work, in 
this respect, has progressed to date. Now assuming that number to cover one- 
half oi the whole number now living (say 9 258, which is a very liberal estimate 
in view of the zealous efforts made by the State and Connty associations to enroll 
every survivor^ in their midst, arid amounts to 3.000 inore than i"e haxie any knoivl 
edge of^) it would shov^^ 82 survivors in each, of the 25 '* Regular" regiments ; 90 
to the Indiana, 86 to the Kentucky, and 92' to each of the Ohio regiments of vol- 
unteers. Or, say, 40 regiments, (400 compa,niHS,) show 3,400 survivors — equal to 
8^ men to eacli company, the average being 97 men (rank and fil«0 to the com- 
pany In another table it is shown there vva* a total of 1,033 companies in the 
war, 8| to each company would therefore give a total of 8,780 survivors on this 
basis. 

FORCES EMPLOYED DURING THE MEXICAN WAR. 

For the information of members, and others who feel an interest in i;he sub- 
ject, I have compiled a succinct statement, derived from a series of tables, most 
of which accompany the ri^port of Gen. Roger Jones, Adjutant General of the 
Army, of December 3. 1849, in reply to a resolution of rhe House of Represen- 
tatives of July 31. 1848, calling for ''a statement of the military forces ennployed 
in the Mexican War.'' I have prepared this tat-le with a special view to giving 
the relative number of companies of soldiers sent by the several States. There are 



PROCEEDINGS OF NATIONAL ASSOCIATION 



15 



a few unimportant discrepancies in details, owing perhaps to typographical 
errors in the printed report; and it will be observed also that I assume 111 as 
the average strength of the 100 companies of the ten regiments raised in 1847 for 
during the war, including recruits, the total number being 11,186 officers and 
men. But notwithstanding these discrepancies in details, the "totals" at the 
foot of each column are correct, corresponding with the official table which forms 
the basis of the Adjutant GeneraPs report, above referred to, which is printed 
in Ex. Doc. Xo. 24, H. of R , 31st Congress 1st session. 





VOLUNTEERS. 


NewlORegts. 




TOTAL. 


STATES, &c. 


hi 
^ 1 


« ctt C 

m 


5 i 

|o| 

i 1 


1 

S 03 , 

til 




re S- 


Alabama 


33 
16 

11 

14 

4 

22 

64 

50 

9 

51 

87 

"lo" 

10 

25 

69 

4 

■*20" 
10 
65 
23 

"n 

bl 

105 

14 

2 


3026 

1323 

571 

i'355 
370 
2132 
6123 
4585 
838 
4842 
7947 

iaVf 

1103 

2423 

7016 

425 

2396 

935 

5536 

2503 

i'077 

5865 

8018 

1320 

146 

844 

272 


5 
2 

"2 

1 
4 
1 
3 
3 
• 5 
1 
6 
6 
4 

4 
1 
4 
3 
2 
8 
3 
5 
9 
1 
5 
4 
2 
6 
1 


555 
222 

"222 
111 
444 
111 
333 
333 
555 
111 

666 
666 
444 

"444 
111 
444 
333 
222 
888 
333 
555 
999 
111 
555 
444 
222 
666 
111 


38 

18 

11 

2 

1 

18 

5 

25 

67 

55 

10 

57 

93 

4 

10 

14 

26 

73 

7 

2 

28 
13 
70 

1 

16 

61 

107 

20 

3 

7 

"156 


3581 


Arkansas 


1545 


California 


571 


Connecticut 


322 


Delaware 


111 


Dist. of Columbia and Maryland... 
Florida 


1799 
481 


Georgia 

Illinois 


2465 
6456 


Indiana 

Iowa 


5140 
949 


KtntucUy 

Louisiana 

Maine 

Massachusf tts 


5508 

8613 

444 

1057 


Michigan 

Mississippi 


1547 
2534 


Missouri 


7460 


New Jersey 


758 


New Hampshire 


222 


New York 


3284 


North (^"arolina 


1268 


Ohio 

Fennsylvaiiia 

Rliode Island 


6091 

3502 

HI 


South Carolina 


1632 


Tennessee 

Texas 

Virginia 

Wisconsin 


6309 

8240 

1986 

267 


Indent Vols fremustered) 


844 


General Start" Vols 

Naval foices 

Regular Army 


272 

6000 

16736 


Total foi'ces employed 


783 


73,532 


100 


11,186 


1033 


105,454 







16 



PROCEEDINGS OF NATIONAL ASSOCIATION 



The following- table will also be valuable in estiniatinij in connection with my 
tabulated returns the probable number of survivors at this date. It is derived from 
the same oflicial source, (Report of Adjt. Gen. Jones) and shows at a glance the 
proportion, if alive, who would be eligible to pension under the law we ask for. 



General view^ showing the aggregate forces^ after deducting casualties^ etc.^ to be 
tj7.0(J0, in round numbers. 



0^ rr 





s 




V. 


a." 


. 

02 
C 

o 


2 o^ 


a ~ 




c 


s «- 




jp^ C3 


J= fiC 


— ' 


^ 














5 « 




o 


^ 


W 


0^ 



O 4^ 



Regulars, (old establishment,) 

" (10 Regiments,) 

Aggregate Regulars, 

VOLUNTEER FORCE. 

General Staff, 

Regiments and corps, 

Naval forces 

Total, 

Number discharged without proceed- 
ing to Mexico 

Total deductions, 

Aggregate, 



15736 
11186 


1782 
766 


26922 


2549 


272 

73260 

5000 


7200 
9749 


105454 


"25541 




79913 



3554 
2264 

5818 



17 

7061 



L2896 



1803 
272 


2247 
602 


2075 


2849 


is 18 


3876 


3393 


6725 





22763 

2778 

25541 



The Adjutant General remarks on the tables from which the foregoing was 
derived, as follows : 

"The atatement C, [''onsisting of 13 laige Tables, 5 octavo pa^es each broadside] e^i. 
hibits iu detail, by States, regimems and corps, the wiiole number of voluateers mus- 
tered into the service from May. Ib46 5 of which 1G,887 are mounted men, 1129 artillerv, and 
55,244 infantry; maJimg an agf^ legate of 73,'2t)U, including 3,131 commissioned officers. 
From ihis number it isproper to deduct theforces c'tlled out nei her by fiuthoiity of the 
War Department, nor under tiie A<t of \iay 13, 1846, and also the number muscernd 
'and paid but soon after dischai ged];as supeniumt rai j^ In this class ai e embraced the 
Sana e-months men ; 2 regiments of ri-montiis men fiom Oliio and Missouri, and one 
company fiom Iowa, nmouiitlifi i" idl to 14,448 ; of which 2,778 not being required to pro- 
cttd to the seat 0/ war were discharged (^except the Iowa company) a ftxv days after being 
mustered into service. Deducting this class from ti e aggregate mustered into service 
(73.2tj(i,) the fojce enrolled under tlie Act of May 13. 1846, and under the 5th section of the 
-vci of March 3,1847, (•■ hi'-.h authorizes ihe President to accept the services of indi- 
vidual volunteers to fill vacancies, &c.,) is about 58,812 offlcei-s and men." 

I have to remark on the above extract, that while the three and ,&ix-moiitbs 
volunteers may have been "received without authorit}'^ of law," nearly 12,000 
actually pertbrme<l service, and will be entitled to pension under the proposed 
law; but the 2,778 "not required to proceed to the seat of war.'' should be de- 
ducted in any estimates prepared on the subject, from the aggregate of those 
entitled to pensions and 1 have accoi'dingly placed that number (2778) in the 
category of deductions for "disability " "■deaths," "wounded" and "-desertions." 
I consider it fair also to deduct the "disabled" and "wounded" from the aggre- 
gate, because it is presumable that they are now, or have been, on tl e invalid 
pension rolls since the war. 



OF THE VETERANS OF THE MEXICAN WA K 17 

But I will not be content without still further deiluctions from the a<J:gregate 
above found. The forces employed in the navj' are taken from an official report 
of the Pension Commissioner, [1874] but I liavc no data convenient to show the 
I asualties in that arm of the service. Avery material reduction from the agojre- 
^ate — 79,913 — may be found, however, in the re-er li.slnieiu of vulunt ers atid 
reguLar.H dm tnc the xrar. There is no means of ascertainino^ the exact number of 
men wliose names are duplicated in the above, and who would only be entitled 
to one pension, under any law. Yet the official reports show that there were 
1,399 tin-ee-monih men; 11,311 ^ix-month ujeii, (held for three;) and 27, Oo:^ 
twelve-mouth men. It is a well known fact that large nianbers; of die thr^e- 
month and twelve-month men, soon after their ret>imenis disbanded, re-enimted^ 
m some instances b> whole companies Motably was this the oase in Texas 
and Louisiana, with the tliree-months men, and in Tennessee, Kentucky, Mis- 
souri, Illinois. Indiana and Ohio amon^Lr t]ie latter. It would nor be unreason- 
able ro as-utne that one-lhird of these disbanded volunteers re-enlisted, (viz.: 
Vi^'l'lX.) LcJioae names unit hi-, found d'tpicated un the i oils of the Fensi n Bureuu^ 
and who of course can only draw one iiension. Deduct this amount from the 
a:£o;reo^ate in the "GenerarView"— 79,913 less 13,221, and we have 66,692— (say 
67 0(>u hi round numbers) os a reasonable basis for tstirnati'ng the probable nutnher 
f suroivors thirty years aj'ter the wur, by per centage. 

But the methods are not applicable to this case wliich are said to have been 
adopted by the "rule and lit^uie men" of the Pension Bureau, who have here- 
tofore insisted upon 35,000 or 40,000 veterans being still alive. They worked 
out this problem luider Commissioner Baker, it is said, on the basis of mortality 
tables adopted by Life Assurance Companies in calculating the ''Expectation of 
Life," or perhaps by the methods of interpolation used in the (Census Bureau to 
ascertain the decrease, b}' natural mortality, of the population of a nation — 
int^luding men, women and ehildren. No intellioent person in the case under 
consideration will be imposed on by sucii extravagant estimates, unless he is 
seeking a paltr}' excuse for opposing our just chiim on the ground of economiz- 
uiiT the public expendituies. VN e know now, after an intelligent and earnest 
search tUrouj;h the agencies of our National Association in all parts of the coun- 
try, duiing the past four year.-, tiiat almost every man of us living can count on 
his lingers the numbei' of siuvivors of his company ; — that of the 1,033 compan- 
ies w 111) mareheil siioulder to shoulder across tlie torrid plains of Mexico, thirty 
yeai> ago, we have only been able to tind the whereabouts of 6,250 to-day, an 
average of half-a-dozen to each company. And why this greaL discrepancy 
t>etween our estimate and that of llie Department arithmeticians ? Icis because 
the latter do not take into their account the wide prevalence of chronic diseases 
contracted by our eomrades in the unhealtiiy tn^pics, which sadl> thinned their 
numbers while in Mexico and after their return ; because they overlook the fact 
iliat many fell victims to their chivalric dis[)o.^itions, developed in the war witli 
Mexico, which earned thv-m into ihe subsequent military affairs in Yucatan, 
Cuba, Lower Calliornia, Sonora and Nicaragua ; and tlie fact that ve'y many 
others lo.>^L their lives through expo^uie and haidship wiiile exploring rhe vast 
territory, acquired by the Government through tlieii valor, on the western slope 
of ilic continent. And, finally, these "lightning calculators" of the Pension 
Bureau, in tiieir hurry overlook the disastrous results of the civil war of 1861, 
which awakened the martial spirit slimiberingin the bosoms of those of our com- 
rades then iemaining, and carried vast numbers into the deadly conffict, on 
either side of the unfortunate controversy, where most of them met the usual 
fate of brave anil patriotic spirits. The small "reserve corps" of the army of 
Mexico yet siu'viving, who constitute the National Association of to-da)% have 
vet a i^acred duty to perform— not only in behalf of their decrepit and impover- 
isiied comrades still living (who badly need, God knows, the small pittance asked 
of the Government,)— but li» the other nine-tenths of that army, who have joined 
"tl^e innumerable caravan" marching beyond this mundane sphere, they owe 
their very best efforts to secure such Congressional recognition as will affix inef- 
faceabl;" the pages of history this great nation's acknowledgement o( their 
heroisu public spirit, so that their children may revere and ciierish honored 



IS t*ROCEEDINGS OF NATIONAL ASSOCIATION 

Dames, and gratefully strive to emulate the patriotic example of their fathers. 
Xo maudlin sentiment of mock-modesty will justify a neglect of this duty. 

THE PASSAGE OF OUB BLLL A MEASUKE OF ECONOMY. 

It will be conceded by € very fair-minded man that the volunteer who responded 
to the call of the Piesident to march into the torrid regions of the continent, and 
uphold our flag in the face of an enemy, has an equitable claim, at least, for any 
damage to his physictal being ri;sulting from such duty. There is scarcely a man 
of that army living to day but can trace some ailment from which he is still suf- 
fering back to tiiat period of his career. The ofticer or soldier who, by reason of 
forced marches in damp or cold \^ eather, or who from being in camp exposed 
to marshy exhalations, tinds perhaps years after his discharge from service, his 
constitution broken down by rheumatisn), or enfeebled by the constant recur- 
rence of fevers, is surely as much entitled to a stipend at the hands of the Gov- 
ernment as he who may have stopped a bullet of rhe enemy. In his own mind 
the soldier is convinced that the Government justly owes him a fair measure of 
compensation for such damage, but many know to their cost how useless it is to 
apply to the Pension Bureau for an '"invalid pension." Because, while the Law 
recognizes the soldier's claim, the rules in regard to evide7ice required to prove it, 
which have been prescribed from time to time by the Commissioners, render the 
law a "dead letter," as far as any beneflt to the soldier is concerned. Bur. the 
soldier is tempted by the law, knowing little or nothing of the rules, to file in 
due form his application. Then begins a series of questions by the Bureau, in 
regard to his health before enlistment, and he produces additional athdavits cov- 
ering that point ; then he is required to produce affidavits of twoof his comrades 
who witnessed the particular circumstance upon wbich the alleged disability is 
based, and he trav(^ls over the face of the earth perhaps to find these witnesses. 
He is then required to prove by medical testimony contvnuuu^ disability^ result- 
ing from this circumstance, ever since it occurred. By this time the poor soldier 
is out of pocket largely, and nearly out of patience, but being of "good pluck," 
warms up to the contest, determined to "fight it out on that line. " knowing his 
cause is just. Death finally relieves him, perhaps, and his poor widow resumes 
the suit with like result. There are sixty thousand of these "old war ciaims" 
pending, growing out of all the old wars which the Government has been en- 
gaged in, that are a source of great expense to the Government, which cannot 
slam the door in the face of the applicant when he presents his ease ; nor reject 
it, in view of the law recognizing his claim ; nor settle it by payment, inider the 
rules of evidence adopted by the Department. The poor devil of a soldier, who 
deserves better of his country, is thus doomed, like Sisyphus of old, to perpetu- 
ally roll a stone up hill which ever rolls back to the bottom just as he thinks be 
ha? reached his goal. 

Now I have heaid it intimated (and it would be a proper subject for official 
inquiry) that it costs the Government nearly as much for clerical and other ex- 
penses involved in the examination of these "old war claims," as would be re- 
quired to pay the pensions of the surviving veterans of Mexico; while the pas- 
sage of the bill now pending is the only practicable method of getting rid of 
these old claims by attbrdin^ a means of settlement satisfactory to Government 
as well as claimants, exhausted by "the law''s delay." \ think this point worthy 
of investigation by those who oppose our claim on the score of economy. If it 
is ascertained by inquiry at the Pension Bureau that the passage of our bill will 
be a measure of economy in the settlement of "old war claims," the amount 
thus saved should be taken into account in the estimate of probable cost of pass- 
ing the bill. Unless the bill now pending, which is in the nature of a gratuity, 
becomes a law, thej e is no telling how many invalid claims will be added to the 
present vast number of similar claims. 

THE ENUMERATION OF REGIMENTS, «feC. , IN THE ASSOCIATIO]^*'^'*>ISTER. 

The Secretary has been in several cases called to account by hers who 

find their regiments numbered on their badges otherwise than tt ink they 



OF THE VKTERANS OF THE MEXICAN WAR 19 

should be. An explanation ol the system of ennmeration of regimer ts, &c., 
afloptetl for the Aissociarion Rejj^ister vvill therefore be interestinj;. 

When the distribution of medals commenced, it was at first thouojht advisable. 
ro (lesi;:rnate upon nhe medal the re/Jfiooent to which the recipient belonajed by 
iiiimiuij: it after the colonel or commandinoj officer, as ''Jones' Regt/' "Smith's 
Battalion."' c'cc. But an objection to this plan consisted in the fact that uiany of 
ttie reo^irnf^nts (especiallv in the regular service) were at no time durino^ the vvar 
under command of the Colonels thereof, and many of them were, at different 
periods of the war, under tvvo or three different subordinate commanders, which 
would render that system of desiojnation very confused in its application. Be- 
Rides, an ohjection woulil here and there arise to perpetuating^ another man's 
name on one's own nit'«lnl, which was designed to be a family souvenir. It was 
therefore thouijht best to make t!iein impersonal^ except so far as the owner's 
name was concerned, enj^raved on the reverse of the shield. The names of the 
three eminent Department Commanders on the obverse — Scott, Taylor and 
Perry — had been adopted with the desij^n by the Association, and the commit- 
tee haviny: charoje of the distribution of the medals had no discretionary power 
so far as those names were concerned. 

Tiie nicmherinfi of the regiments was therefore decide<l to be the simplest and 
most satisfactory mode of designation. The regular service being designated as 
1st to ;^d Drag ; 1st to 4th Art.; 1st to lt'>th Inf.; Engineers, Q. M. Dept., Mounted 
Rifles, Volrigeurs, etc , etc. The medals of the volunteer service were engraved 
as 1st to 0th [11. Inf ; 1st to 5th Mo. ('av., &e , t&c, the regiments, battalions, 
&c., being credited to their respective States, and numbered according to the date 
of musfer into United States service, as shown by the tabidated report of the Ad- 
jutant General of the army, dated December ^d 1849, and which report must be 
rfgard,ed. as the basis of all history. Gardner's Military Dictionary , and other 
publications, unauthentic in character, have, somewhat confounded the jjeneral 
iniderstandinjj in this respect by (for example) calling the 4th and 5th Ohio Inf, 
"'Ist" and • 2il" for 'during the war " Another instance of '"confusion worse 
confounded" is the case of the two New York regiments. Col. Ward B. Bur- 
nett's regiment was tlie first of ^evftn regiments of New York militia authorized 
bv tVie GfA'ernor of that State to be raised for service in Mexico. Col. J D. 
S;evenson. who commanded the 7th militia was \\\^ first mustered in by the 
United States, and detailed for service on the Pacific Coast, and it is so desig- 
nated in the "Recapitulation of Loss in Rattle of the Volunteer Forces," in the 
Campaign of 1S47; while VaA. Burnett's 1st militia is named as 2d regiment New 
Y'ork Volunteers, indisputably, as shown by the large number of killed and 
wounded (tharged to it, viz.: 183- -(exceeded onlv by the South Carolina Regi- 
ment, 24;i; tlie 5[h U.S. Inf., 210; the 8th, 205; the 2d Art., 185) The ten- 
acity with which our id New Y.irk comrades (Burnett's) adhere totbe "No. 1,'' 
is perliaps 'o some extent accoimted for by tht5 fact that the New York Legisla- 
ture voted a bounty of $288 in 1851, to all the survivors of the 1st Regiment of 
Nfw York Volunteers who served in Mexico, and the California boys, having 
been di-;hauded on the Pacific Coast, were "left out" in this dispensation of the 
Empire State's generosity. It would, however, be to the credit of the State, 
even at this late d:iy, to amend tlie law so as to include the men who went under 
Stevenson to tlie far-otf Pacific, many of whom would now tind the boinity a 
godsend. The fact that they did not participate in the hard lighting which fell to 
the lot of ttje 2d regiment (Burnett 's) was no fault of the brave fellows enrolled 
in the 1st [7th [ v, ho woidd doubtless have maintained with e(pial valor the honor 
of the State had their field of operations afforded an opimrt unity. Their good 
intentions were displayed in voliUeering at the time ihey did for '•'service during 
the war." and tne ignoring of their claims to bounty detracts from the credit 
which the great State of New York would otherwise be entitled to for this noble 
recognition of her daring sons. 



20 PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION 

PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO THE PRESENT PLAN OF ORGANIZATION— HISTORI- 
OGRAPHERS OF REGIMENTS, &C. 

Our Association is as yet in an embryoofonic state of dfvelopment, but when 
the system of enrolloient attains a more advanced stasfc of perfection — that is. 
when the names on file are more i2:enprally classified by reffiments. &c — I will 
recommend that authority be ^iven the Secretary to nominate an Assistant Sec- 
retary and Historiographer for each regiment, battalion or ^roup of companies, 
mustered into service from the several States; this oflScer to be supplied, from ; 
the records at Headquarters, with the names and present address of aM the sur- 
vivors pertainino; to his charge, and whose duty it wiJl be to communicate, at 
least once a year, direct with each individual, and collect such matters of inter- 
est relating to his particular company, and its participation in the war, personal 
incidents not contained in ofBcial reports. &c . &c . n brief of which is to be for- 
warded with the papers by the historiographer to headquarters, and form a part of 
the permanent archives of the Nat'onal Ass<'ciation. together with a list of 
deaths of his membership during each year. A vast amount of interesting in- 
formation may thus be re'cned from oblivion, and will atford valuable data for 
the full history of the Mexican War which yet remain* to be written for jiosterity 
and which can only be pei'petuated tbrouo-ji the instrumentality of the National 
Association. T think mo-t of our membership will aoree that in this wa,y we 
will "promote social intercourse, good fellowship and all proper assistance" 
which are declared in Art III. of the Constitution to be among the objects of 
the jSTational Association, for the living m^'mbers, besides fulfilling a sacred duty 
to our deceased comrades-in-arms. The Secretary very frequently receives let- 
ters from members requesting information of the whereabouts of old messmates 
and comrades, and it affords him quite as much pleasure to impart it as they 
doubtless enjoy in receiving it; but some system of dividing up this correspond- 
ence is necessary, and the foregoing plan occurs to him as being practicable. 

THE PENSION BILL. 

It is perhaps unnecessary to say more in regard to the merits of the bill which 
pa-sed the Hou.-e of Kepresentatives on the 4th of January, than ihat it is very 
nearly in accordance with the memorial of the Convention which assembled in 
this hall in January, 1874. Its provisions correspond with the law of 1871, 
granting pensions to the soldiers of 1812. Had we a=ked for legislation without 
a preeedent, we would have run great risk of getting nothing. As it is, there 
is no reasonable excuse for opposition fiom any source It has been the policy 
of those of us who were appointed to look after its welfare at headquarters to re- 
mind the re| resentatives of the Association elsewhere to try aiid obtain the 
endorsement of the nieasure by the Legislatures of their several States, expressed 
through resolutions of instruciions to those delegated to represent them in Con- 
gress The ffreat States of Illinois, Indiana. Missoui-i, Minnesota, Wisconsin, 
Talifornia, Oregon. Nevada, Texas, Louisiana, Alabama, Nortli Carolina and 
Tennessee, have responded generously to the efforts of our comrades residing 
therein who interested themselves in the cause. While perhaps the honorable 
Senators from those States need no "instructions'"' to support a Just bill, the 
moral effect achieved by these formal endorsements of their just deserts must be 
very gratifying to the men in whese behalf they weie given, and go far to dis- 
prove the apothegm tliat ' Kepnblics are ungrateful.*' 

In concluding my report, I desire to express my sincere thanks to those 
thoughtful members who have voluntarily sustained me in my efforts to fulfill 
the duties assigned to me, and to assure them that a memorandum record of their 
generosity has been pi-eserved in all cases. 

Very respectfully, 

Your obedient servant, 

ALEXANDER M. KENADA Y, 

Washington, D. C, February 22, 1877. Secretary. 



OP THp VETERANS OF THE MEXICAN WAR 21 

The r»^porf was acceptprl 

Col Stpphpn Decatur adilressed the Convention in a patriotic spepch, refer- 
ring especial]}'- to the unrequited services of the brave men who marched with 
Col. Doniphan from Santa Fe to Satillo. throu!):h the nnbroken wilds of New 
Mexico, enconnterini,^ the enemy at Brazito and Sacram-^nto, and capturino: the 
city of Chihnahna with his small band of Missourians. In the course "^f his re- 
marks hv alhided to tho beantifnl city of the West near which the spt^aker re- 
sided, nMined in honor of our worthy President, General J. W. Denver, who 
wtts tiie justly popiilar Governor of Kansas when the citv was laid out. Al- 
thoufijh the people of Dlinois, Indiana, Iowa Michigan. Missouri, Xorth Caro- 
lina and California, had named promising towns in his honor also, the speaker 
confidently predicted that Denver, Colorado, the Capital city of the Centen- 
nial State, would outstrip them all, as it was destined to be the Capital of the 
Nation in the not far distant future; and he hoped it would not be long before 
a National Convention of the survivors of Mexico would assemble in that beauti- 
ful and lapidly crrowing city, where his distinguished colleague in the Con- 
vention, Col. Albert Gallatin Boone, grand-son of the iUustrious Indian tamer of 
Kentucky, and General Wm Gilpin and himself, and others, who have made 
that place their home, would extend a hearty Western welcome to their comrades 
of rhe Mexican war. 

Col. Decatur's remarks were frequently interrupted with uproarious ap- 
plause. 

REPORT OF THE TREASURER. 

Capt. Samuel V. Xiles read his annual report, the items of which differed in 
no particular from the report ptiblished in la«t year's proceedings, showing as 
then a balance of cash on hand amounting to $3096. 

A collection was taken up by the Committee of Arrangements to defray the 
expense of hall rent, netting $32.35, which was paid over to the Treasurer. 

RLECTrON OF OFFICERS. 

Mr. .1. R Gould, of Md., moved to suspend the rules and go into an election 
of oifieers for the ensuing year. 

Judge Deacon, of Mississippi, suggested that it would be better to postpone 
the eh-etion until th«' main business of the Convention was disposed of. 

Gen. Crittenden and others discussed the proposition, during which it was 
ascertained that some of those present desired to retm"n to their homes in the 
evening trains, and should be allowed to express their choice for officers before 
departin£;. 

The Presi Vnt then announced the next business in order to be the selection 
of the officers of the Association for the ensuing year, from among the members 
thereof 

Col. George S Fisher, of Georgia, moved that General James W. Denver, of 
Ohio, be declared as the choice of those present to preside over the Association 
foi '^he en-uing year Adopted by acclamation. and with much enthusiasm. 

Mr. J. R. Gonld, of Md.. nominated Gen. John Love, of Indiana, for 1st Vice 
Pn'^ident Eh'cted by accl unation. 

Mr. J. R. Gould, of Md , also nominated W. L. Tidbill for vSecretary. 

C\ptain Van Rensselaer Morgan nominated the present incumbent, Mr. A. 
M. Kenaday. 

Col. .Joseph II. Ruddach, of Md., moved that A. M. Kenaday be elected by ac- 
'Inmation. Adopted, with one dissenting vote. 

<'apt. S V. Niles was re elected Treasiuer by unanimous vote. 

Gen. Edwin R. Biles was re-elected Marshal by acclamation. 

H. A. McGlenen. of Mass.; au'i S G. Swan, of Texas, were re-elected Assistant 
Secretaries, and Louis F. Beeler, of Md., W. M. H. Martin, of Miss., were added 
to the list. 

Maj. Gen. S. P. Heirtzelmen. Capt. S. V. Niles and M. D. Montis were re- 
''lected as the Finance Committee. 



22 PROCEEDINGS OF NATIONAL ASSOCIATION 

The President stated that it had been the custom at previous meetinojs for the 
members present from the different States to nominate the Vice Presidents and 
Council of Adrrinistration in their respective localities, and unless objection was 
made that course of proceed ini; would be continued. 

Several changes were then announced in the list, bv residents of the respective 
States present, which will be found published in full on page 3, to which atten- 
tion is invited. 

Capt. John M. Lord, of Indiana, here called attention to the fact that this 
was the 22d of February, the birthday of America's greatest patriot, George 
Washington, and remarked that while it wa,s a day that should be dear to 
every lover of his country, it was perhaps not specially the province of the sur- 
vivors of Mexico to keep Washington's Birthday in remembrance for the whole 
people. Yet we have some claim on this day as the anniversary of one of the 
greatest battles fought in Mexico— the glorious victory at Bueiia Vista — where 
Taylor and Wool, with 5,000 volunteers, drove back 20,000 Mexican troops, who 
left their dead unburied on the tield. He thought this one, if not the very 
greatest of the victories of the vvar, and as a recognition of tlie fact, he moved a 
committee be appointed to report a series of resolutions expressing the views of 
the Association on the advantageous results of the Battle of Buena Vista. 

As might have been expected by the enthusiastic admirer of "Buena Vista," 
a lively fire opened from various quarters on the mover's proposition from 
equally enthusiastic participants at Resaca, Monterey, Vera Cruz and Cerro 
Gordo, Contreras, Cherubusco and Chapultepec; when Capt. Lord, finding a 
''hornet's nesf' had been unconsciously stirred up, good-naturedly withdrew 
his proposition, stating that it was furthest from his thoughts or desire to reflect 
on or even discriminate between any of the great battles of the war. 

[f^OTE.— In this connection it is prooer to state that the local committee of ariarge- 
ments, had intended to include in the literary exercises of ihe day an eesay on thy 
"Life and Services of Georj/e Washington," prepared dv L. A. GoBiiiGHT,|Esq , the tal- 
ented chief of the New York Associated Press in this city, who kmdJy consented to de- 
liver the same on » he evening of the 22d, before the members of tae Atsociation and 
the public; but owing to some uncertainty about oblainiig the use of the haU 
for the evening, the requisite pui'liciry could not be given ro th^ proposed entertain- 
ment, an<J it'^was dropped from the programme, wuich was already crowded with 
more business than could be performed in onn d,.y.] 

TELEGRAPH GREETINGS FROM MONMOUTH, ILLINOIS. 

President Denver, hereupon, read the following dispatch received from the 
First Illinois Association in session at Monmouth, III., to which a switable reply 
was directed to be made by telegraph : 

Monmouth, III , Feb. 22, 1877. 

To the President of the Natioyial Association^ Washington, D. C: 

First Illinois Association, now in session, send compliments, and hope for 
good results at yoin- meeting. Press on the bill ! 

M. J. BARNES, Pres't. 

The Convention then adiourned to meet on Wednesday 23d at U o'clock, 
A. M. 

Second Day's Proceedings. 

WiLLARD Hall. 

Washington, D. C, Feb. 28, 1877. 

At 11 o'clock, a. m., pursuant to resolution of yesterday, the Association as- 
sembled in full force, to attend ihe ceremonial visit ta the Pi-esident of the 
United States. Presidetit Denver direcied the marshal of the Association, Gen. 
Edwin R. Biles, of Philadelphia, to form the body in line of march and proceed 
at once to the White House. About 175 persons were present. 



OF TilE VE;TERANS OF THE MEXICAN ,yi^^,,, ,^ , 23 

RECEPTION BY PRESIDENT GKAN't'. ' ' '" '"'! 

Arriving at the Executive Mansion they were ushered into the East Room by 
the polite attendants, vvh^re the body formed a hollow square and awaited the 
arrival of the Chief Magistrate, who soon appeav-d upon the scene, and recog- 
nizing President Denver, gave him a cordial welcome. Gen. Denver remarked: 
"Mr. President, a number of your old companions in arms of '46 are assembled 
in Washington from all parts of the Union, and they desire before leaving foj- 
their homes and before your official term expires, to bid you a last farewell." 
The President replied that he was always glad to meet them, and good-natur- 
edly referred to Gen. Denver's slip of the tongue by hoping it would not prove 
a *'last farewell " 

The head of the column then moved slowly past the President, and Marshal 
Biles (assisted by the :Secrvtary) introduced each member by name, many of 
whom were recognized by the President as old acquaintances, and exchanged 
extra greetings, though not prolonged sufficiently to interrupt the cere- 
mony. 

After all the members had been introduced, the head of the column having 
reached the point from which they started, a few minutes of friendly conversa- 
tion ensued, during which a member remarked that as the pension bill for the 
Mexican veterans had its origin with the last inaugural ceremonies of President 
Grant it was to be hoped he would be called on to sign the approval of the law 
before his term expired. The President replied that ajipearances at the Capitol 
did not indicate the passage of any of the useful measures awaiting the action 
of Congress befoie the expiration of the term. 

The menibers then returned to Willard Hall. 

IN CONVENTION. 

The President called the meeting to order. 

The reading of the minutes of yesterday's proceedings was dispensed with. 

M, D. Montis, of Ohio, moved that the President, Secretary , and W. L. Tid- 
ball be ai)poitUed a committee to nominate a suitable person as Orator of the 
Day for the next annual meeting. Passed. 

L. F. Beeler, of Md . moved that a committee of three be selected by the 
chair, to pri>vide means for printing the proceedings of the Convention, and to 
have supervision of matter to be printed. 

The President appointed as the committee L F. Beeler, Edw^ard Lander and 
C. D Pennebaker. 

Information being called for as to probable cost of printing, the Secretary 
read from his annual report the items embraced in the bill for the last edition, 
amounting to $361.17. 

W. J. Smith, of Tennessee, moved that the Secretary be added to the Comrpit- 
tee on Printing. Carried. 

ORATOR OF THE DAY. 

The committee appointed to select the Orator of the Day for the next annual 
meetitiiT recommended the name of the Rev. Green Clay Smith, of Frank- 
fort, Ky., who served as 2d Lieut, of the ist Kentucky Cavalry in Mexico, Col- 
onel of the 4c,h Kentucky Cavalry in the late war, and promoted to Brigadier 
General. The honors thus achieved in the field of military glory have been sup- 
plemented by high distinction as an orator, a philanthropist, and a minister of 
the gospel. He was the chosei: standard-bearer in the late presiOential election 
of the Temperance people of the nation, and is now the pastor of a congrega- 
tion in the n)0st beautiful city of his native State, whose people are noted for lov- 
ing and honoring their deserving sons. 
The nomination was ratified with enthusiasm by the meeting 
Gen. Smidi, who was present, and evidently taken by surprise, accepted the 
election, and said Providence permitting, he would attend the next meeting. 



24 PROCEEDINas OF THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION 

BALTIMORE, MD., SELECTED AS PLACE OF NEXT MEETING. 

On motion of Gen. John Love, of Indiana, Baltimore was selected as the place 
for holding the tifth annual meeting on February 22, 1878. 

REPORTING DECEASED MEMBERS. 

Gen. George W. McCook, of Ohio, moved that the Secretary be requested to 
correspond with State and County associations with a view to ascertaining the 
names of members annually lost to each society b^ dealh. He thought the 
death roll for the past four years. of our organization must amount to a consid- 
erable number, and should properly be deducted from any report going to show 
survivors only. Adopted. [NOTE BY the Secretary.— It is hoped that no 
more formal notice than this publication of the above will be required by Secre- 
taries of State and local associations, or by individual members of the National 
Association anywhere throughout the country, to secure compliance with the 
wishes expressed in the resolution. If any member knoivs of the death of a com- 
rade, whose name is on tha National Register, at any time during the past Jour 
years, will take the trouble to write the name and address of sucli deceased co ti- 
rade, and date of his death, upon a pos al card, (which will only cost him one 
cent,) and direct the same to the Secretary (Lock Box 37, Washin-ton, D. C.) 
the iuformauon will be promptly noted. The name ot the deceased member 
shall not be erased, nor dropped i:rom the National Register, but hcgregated 
from the list of survivors, and a record made of the daie of his death for future 
reference Ic is hoped that no comrade who reads this will hesitate about send- 
ing the information in his possession, unless he ktiows the Secretary of bis local 
societ}^ has already co/nplied.] 

The President submitted lo the Association the following communications : 

Brady's National Portrait Gallery. 

Washington City, February 23, 1877. 
Gen. J. W. Denver, President, cjc: 

Dear Sir :— 1 shall be pleased to add to my collection of" Distinguished Rep- 
resentative. Men of America,*' the Veterans of the Mexican War. The His- 
toric Collection, recently purchased by Congress, will be enriched by this addi- 
tion of Mexican Heroes of the VV ar. I would suggest two from each State. 

Very respectfully, 

M. B. BRADY. 

[The above invitation from Mr. Brady, was not received in time to secure 
full compliance with his request. It suggests an idea, however, that the Na- 
tional Association should have among its archives a 

photograph ALBUM 

containing the photographic likenesses of all its members, arranged by regi- 
ments and companies, and the Secretary •respectfully invites all members to send 
their photographs, with ihe name, regiment and coujpany written on the back 
thereof, to be so preserved. From this collection Mr. Brady can have the privi- 
lege of selecting a representative man from each regiment, &c., serving in Mex- 
ico, enabling him to add the group to his grand collection of '-Distinguished Re- 
presentative Men of America'" purchased bj^ Congress.] 

letter FROM C. F. SARGENT.— POSTPONEMENT OI' THE EXCURSION TO 

MEXICO. 

Philadelphia, February 21, 1877. 
A. M. KeNADAY, Esq., Secretary, J^c: 

Dear Sir : — Owmg to the death of a near relative I shall not be able to attend 
the meeting lo-morrow. Major Rob. Klotz wrote me a few days ago that he 
would not be able to attend. 



OF THE VETERANS OF THE MEXICAN WAR 25 

Our excursion to the city of Mexico [announced in last year's proceedings to 
take place at this time. — Seo.] has been postponed until February, 1S78, at the 
request of some of the Vetf-rans, who by that time would be better prepared; and 
in the meantime, also, publicity would increase the number greatly. Had we 
started this month, but twenty would have gone; and we thinK twice that num- 
ber will comprise the party next year. 

Yours truly, 

C.F. SARGENT, C.ofA. 

L-^tters were also submitted trom Secretary Hartley, and C of A- S. W,' 
Smith, containing inter'^stino^ information relative to the Illinois organizations; 
from Major Klotz, V, P. of Penn.. regretting his inability to attend ; from Col. 
D S. Johnston, V. P. of Georgia; Gim.,Ward B. Burnett, whose nttendance 
was prevented by the illness of his wife ; from the President of the New Jersey 
Association at Newark, and others, readnig of which had to be dispensed with 
on account of a necessary 

RECESS TO ENABLE THE DELEGATES FROM THE SEVERAL STATES TO WAIT ON 
THE SENATE PENSION COMMITTEE. 

The President now directed the delegation selected by the meeting on yester- 
day (whose names are published on page 8) to procee-l to the Capitol in such 
order and by such conveyances as were most convenient— two lines of street 
cars passing near the hall, every few minutes, would afford accommodation for 
the delegation as well as foi* all the members who desired to be present during 
the interview. . 

The Bill to Pension Survivors of the Mexican War. 

While the delegation are on the way to the Capitol, a retrospective view of the 
action taken by the House of Representatives on pur Pension bill will perhaps 
be interesting to members. 

When the Proceedinj^s of the Centennial meeting were published, last year, 
the bill prepared by the House Committee was on the House Calendar with a 
>nia^'imous report of the Hous?- Committee in its favor. It was framed in ac- 
cordance with the provisions of the bill of 1871, granting pensions to the veter- 
ans of 1812; that is, allowing eight dollars a month to all honorably discharged 
survivors of the war who had served sixty days, and to the widows of those who 
were married f)rior to th^ close of the war. The House Committte, however, 
aided to the beneficiaries of the bill the survivors of the "Florida" and ''Black 
ilawk'' wars wdio had served thiriy days. Tiiis provision, it was though^, 
would not materially add to the number of pensioners, and it was contended by 
s''>me of our advocates th it it would strengrhen the measure before the House. 
It win be seen, however, further along in this narrative, that it afforded our 
indefatiirable adversaries in the Executive Departments — those " fiery dratjon*: " 
whose mission ic is to guard the trea-^ury against all pension-seek^^rs especially— 
an opportunity to array a vast number of imajjinary beneficiaries, when they 
were called upon by the legislative branch "to exercise their wonderful attain- 
ments in theak'orism of numbi^rs of ol 1 soldiers disbanded. 

On the 4th of January. Mr. G. W. Hewitt, of Alabama, moved in the House of 
Kepresentacives to take up H K. No 2283. granting pensions to certain soldiers 
and sailors of the Mexican, Florida and BlacU Hawk wars. 

After some «'fibrt- on the part of Mo-srs. Holman and Singleton to stave off 
action on our measure until after the Diplomatic Appropriation bill was disposed 
of, the House sustained Mr. Hewitt's motion. 

Mr. Hewitt then proceeded to address the House in a well prepared speech, 
in which he explained the provisions of the bill, and brielly n^viewed the history 
of our legislation upon the s^ubjectof jjratuitous pensions to the soldiers of differ- 
ent wars from thebejiinnino: of the Government. He demonstrated the wisdom 



26 PROCEEDINGS OF NATIONAL ASSOCIATION 

and justice of the policy of paying our Roldiers for havinp fought vohinta.rily. 
rather than inducing thein to "fight for pay.'' He paid the soldiers of "46 and 
'47 had a right to expect that the Government would in their old age extend to 
them the same legislative recognition bestowed on the soldiers of the revolution 
and those of 1812-15. and pointedly -dwelt on the material advantages derived by 
the Government from the acquisition, as a result of the war. of 937.875 square 
miles of territory, an area greater than all the States of the Union at the time 
of its acquisition, together with all its vast and incalculable wealth He said the 
Government by past legislation had impliedly contracted with these veterans, 
when it called upon them to go and tiirht against an enemy on a foreign soil; 
that in their declining years, when they could no longer compete with younger 
men in the fields of labor, it would give them the pension now^ proposed by this 
bill : and to refuse would be to dishonor the Government and to do these old 
soldiers a great wrong, if not a crime. It w^ould be a refusal to perform a very 
hi^h moral obligation. Pass this bill, said Mr. H.. pensioning alike the brave 
men of the North and of the South, who fought shoulder to shoulder and hand 
in hand under Taylor and Scott, and we will have done more in time of peace to 
prepare for war, than we could do by appropriating millions lijon millions for 
fortifications; more than building an indefinite number of iron monitors, and 
more than arming and equipping a regular army of one hundred thousand 
men. 

He said the Pension Committee, after a careful examination of the subject, 
were satisfied that a million and a half of dollars per annum will be more than 
sufficie'it to meet all the requirements of the bill ; and after a careful review of 
the official reports, by the committee, having in view the extraordinary causes, 
prevailing since the service was rendered, to reduce the number of survivors, 
they submitted the following estimates as approximating the total number cov- 
ered by the bill, viz : 

Survivinar Volunteers of] 846 , 7,000 

Vi/idows 1.000 

Regulars of 184fi _,.,. 2,700 

" Widows 10(1 

.Soifllers anil Widovts Black Hawk War 200 

" " " FloridaWar 2,000 

Total 13,000 

Aggregating at $96 per annum, $1,248,000, which sum would be constantly 
decreasing. The survivors of the Mexican war will average about .55 years, 
wnth an expectation of life of about 14 years. The survivors of the Black 
Hawk war of 1832, and of the Florida war of 1836, are of course proportionately 
older. 

Mr. Hewitt closed with an eloquent appeal to members to pass the bill, re- 
minding them that a number of the State Legislatures had reqiie.'^ted tlieir rep- 
resentatives to support the measure. 

The bill passed without opposition. 

Trie next day it was reported to the Senate and referred to the Pen.^ion Com- 
mittee of that body. At the next meeting of the Pension Committee it was as- 
signed to Senator Morgan C. Hamilton, of Texas, for examination and report. 

Every eflort was made by the officers of the Association to induce Senator 
Hamilton to give the subject his earliest consideration. All wiio were supposed 
to have any influence wiih him were earnestly besought to trv their persuasive 
powers in getting him to report it back to the committee for their action. The 
session was drawing to a close, and the oflUcers of the Association at head • 
quarters naturally felt much anxiety about the fate of the bill. The President 
and Secretary of the Association made a formal visit to Senator Hamilton's resi- 
dence, taking with them tlie roll of Texan survivors, about 800 names of the 
Senator's own constituents, in the hope that these names would awaken some 
desire in the mind of Mr. U. to do one good turn for the people of the State he 
represented, before his oflicial career terminated on the 4th of March ensuing. 
He refused, however, to admit to his august presence the President and Secre- 
tary aforesaid, who subsequently were informed that the exhibition of tiie Texas 



OF THE VETERANS OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 27 

list would probably have only aroused a more bitter animosity to the bill in tiie 
mind of the irascible functionary, as nearly every act of his Senatorial term, in 
the opinion of Texans residing here, wa.-^ characterized by antipathy to the peo- 
ple he \va> supposed to represent. Under these circumstances there wa^ noth- 
ing lefr foi- the friends of the bill but to "uarcli and pray " 

About the middh^ of Feb'uary. word was brou^jht to tlie Secretary by one of 
our nienibers that Senator Hamilton had "packed up his carpet bar and skedad- 
dled'* — left the "^ay and festive scenes" of the Capitol never to return again ! 
A visit to the Pension Committee room proved that he had indeed turned in his 
papers, with reports on every bill assigned to him save and except the bill in 
which all the Mexican veterans of the country vvere so much interested. That 
precious document with the accompanying papers he took with him, as h sweet 
morsel, perhaps, to console him in his private life. The attention of the gen- 
tlemMuly Secietary of the Committee, Alexander R Banks, Esq., was promptly 
calU d to thi> omission on the part of the departed Senator, and Mr. B prornised 
to supply the missing papers by duplicate^ and bring them to the attention of 
the chairuian at the regular meeting of the Committee on tlie following day. 

At the next meetintr of the Committee it was ascerrained that the bill con- 
tinued on the tapis^ notwithstanding the *• little game" of the ex-Senator from 
Texas; Senator Ingalls, of Kan.^as. (chairman of the Committee, having liimself 
assumed the usual formal investigation of the subject. The officers of che Asso- 
ciation refrained from any further solicitation, as the meeting of die National 
Association would take place the following week, when a delegation fresli from 
the membership would be in the city to urge their claims 

This brief review of rhe situation brings us down to tiie — 

Interview of the Delegates with the Senate Committee. 

'IMie delegation having arrived at the Capitol found their way to the spacious 
room of tlie Pension Committee, which probably was never so densely packed 
before by an audience; of interested spectators. Althoujrh the Senate anrl 
House were in session at the time, a quorum of the Committee were present. 
Senator J. J. Ingalls presiding A number of Senalors and mtMnbers mingleU 
with thf delegation, among others. Senators Burnside, Maxey and Logan. 

The chairman called on President Denver to state hi- case, reminding him 
that the time of the Committee was necessarily limited, the Senate being in 
session. 

Gt-n. Denver briefly adverted to the fact that tlie survivors of the Mexican 
war had been united for several years past in an appeal to Congress for recog- 
nition of their services, and that action had been delayed, heretofore, by exrrav- 
agant star -ments emanating from official sources as to the probable number of sur- 
vivors. To counteract the.se statements every etlbrt had been made bv rhe offi- 
cers here and the organizations in the several States to ascertain the actual 
number now living, and while of course it would not become him to assMft that 
the whereabouts of every soldier of the Mexican war is known to the officers of 
the Association, there was nevertheless sufficient information in this respect 
upon which to base a reasonable approximation of the whoh- nimiber, which 
would b<' submitted to the Honorable Committee for such consideration as they 
might think it entitled to. 

He th«-n introduced Secretary A. M. Kenaday, who informed the C^ommittt-e 
that (5 UoO names of smwivors had been ascertained up to that timn through the 
various methods adopted by the officers of the Association to arrive at the facts. 
Of this number he had thus far tabulated 4,G29 of the whole number enrolled. 
A synopsis of this table will show he said an average of about 41 survivors to 25 
of tlie Regular regiments enumerated ; 45 survivors to rhe 4 Indiana regiments 
of volunteers; 43 average to 5 Kentucky regiments, and 46 to 5 Ohio regiments. 
He thought he could safely assume that the number already enrolled would cover 
fuUvone-half of the whole number living— say, 9.-25S in all— which would be 
liberal, in view of the zealous eflorts made to tind the residence of every person 
who claimed to have rendered service in the war wicli Mexico. This basis would 
show 82 survivors in eacli of the 25 regular re^^imer.ts ; 90 to the Indiana regi- 
ments ; SO to the Kentucky, and 92 to eacli of the Ohio regiments. The 40 regi 



28 PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION 

merits here taken as a basis of calculation comprise 400 companies with 3,400 
survivors, or an average of 8^ men to each company. There were 1,033 com- 
panies employed in the w^ar, averaging {includiiig rank and tile) 97J men each- 
Multiplying the whole number of companies by the average of survivors here 
obtained, (namely 8^), we havea total oi 8,780 survivors. This is considerably 
below 10 per cent, oi' the whole number euiployed during the war, which was 
the louest estimate he had heretofore contended for. 

Gen. Crittenden, Gen. ISJcCook, and others uf the delegates from abroad 
testified to the widespread interest manifested in all the meetings of veterans 
throughout the country in regard to this matter, and expressed the hope that the 
committee would find it consistant with their duties lo grant the prayer of the 
petitioners, which liad already met the approval of many of the IState Legisla- 
tures. 

Senator Ingalls remarked that the subject was one of vast importance, and in 
his position of Chairman of the Committee he was expected to stand between 
the petitioners and the Government. The case had not yet been considered in 
all us bearings by the Committee, and he was not prepared to say what conclu- 
sion they wouid reach. But he had received a comojunication from the Pen.siou 
Office in reply to a letter of inquiry in regard to the probable number of bene- 
tieiaries, which he felt bound to lay before the Committee in connection with 
the bill which had passedthe other House. 

Senator Ingalls then drew from his coat pocket a paper which he proceeded to 
read to the delegation, showing in detail all the soldiers employed in every 
military affair and Indian disturbance, including the Aroostook atiair in Maine 
and the New York frontier and Canada row in 1838, as follows : 

THE ESTIMATE OF THE PENSION OFFICE. 

Extract from the statement February 2i, 1877, furnished by Pension Oflice to 
Senator Ingalls. 

+ + * * * * * . 

SoJdiers in Seminole war from ]Sov. 20, 1817, to Oct. 31, 18i8, (southwest, etc.,) ' 5,9ii 

" Black Hawk " Apr. '-1, 1831. to Sept. 31, 18o2 5,03i 

Florida " Dec. 2^, 1835, to Aug. 4, 1812 41,122 

Creek Indians disturbances from May 5, 1836, to Sept. 30, 1837 13,4l8 

" ■ Souiliwtsi • f Arks. No fighting oi actual war 2,803 

Cherokee Country, 1836, ended ill 1837 3,926 

" N.Y. frontier and Canada, 1888, ended in 1839.... 1,128 

Ari-jrook Maine diSiurl)anie, 1838 2 Regiments. 

Mexican war nvia April 24, 164-;, to July 4, 1848, 

Regular army 27,194, sej vice ^veragii g'l5 to 26 months \ 

Volunteer aimy 73,266. service averaging 10 months.) 100,460 

Total of soldiers ]7:i,799 

There were pensioned for disability in above wars, from commencement ot Florida 

w^ar, to I he commencement of the rebellion iu 18ji,. 6,468 

Add for those who were on the rolls December 31, 1835 2,332 

Soldiers in above wars pensioned for disability 8,»00 

Widows of soldiers pensioned in Florida Avar not over 500 ) 

" " , " Mexican (estimated) 2,6C0 5 3,100 

" An elaborate table w^as prepared in 1858-9--(47 years after commencement of war of 
1812) for the basis ot a import of the probabie number of survivors in ihai, war, at that. 
Oj.t>\ Ratioadopled was%. Subsequeniiy theoffice was informed that an rctual count 
was mude of twoorihree companies, which showed the survivors to be 41 to 44 in 
10(1. 

"The estimate furnished to Congress just prior to the passage of the act of February 
14, 1871, grai.ling pern-ions to survivors and widows of war 1812 was 40,100. The actual 
nuDiber of app'ications received has been a little over 4.; 000. 

" From th*- commencement of the Floiida wai is 31 years. Taking the estimate made 
for the survivors of i he war of I8i2 as the has s lor obtaining the number in the forego- 
ing w^urs (173.799 .--oldierb) it is not unreasonable to assume that one half survive at this 
datf. 

" In the Black Hawk, Florida and Mexican wars, there were 146,613 soldiers lendering 
service, the above t-stimate gives as suiviving over 73,000. Even adopting the nnio of 
% (as in the war of 1812) which is, without doubt, much too low, the survivois would be 
54,980. 

" It should be stated tl:iat a foinaer estimate of this office was based on the number of 
volunteers in the Mexican war, the number of toliiers in the regular army, having, by 
some oversight, been omitted." 



OF THE VETERANS OP THE MEXICAN WAR ^9 

The reading of this budget of errors, which had the sanction of one of the Gov- 
ernment Departments for its reliability, and which indicated an expenditure of 
five and a quarter millions of dollars a year to cover the bill before the Com- 
mittee, operated like a xoUey of grape and canister from a masked battery. The 
session of the Committee had drawn to a close and the delegation had no oppor- 
tunity at the time to examine the tigures contained in tlu^ statement and expose 
their fallacy. The delegation very naturally felt some iiidignation that the bill 
for wuich our Association had been contending; for seveial years should be thus 
loaded down and the services of the soldiers of Mexico placed on a level with 
tlie aggregations of militia called out from time to time to quell petty frontier 
disturbances ever since the war of 1812 ; men who never expected pensions and 
never claimed pensions for their services. Ami clearly it was not a sentiment of 
justice to the militia afore.saia which animated these parties to '• ring them in " 
on the Mexican war bill, but rather appeared to be a covert attempt to break 
down our case by swelling the number of beneficiaries, and thus alarming the 
•• watch-doirs of the Treasury " 

After the reading of tliis precious document the Senators on the Committee 
withdrew to the Senate chamber (that body being still in session) and Chairman 
Ingalls promised to give the matter further consideration at an early day The 
delegation leturned to VVillard Hall in a decidedly bad humor with the result of 
the interview. 



Examination of the Pension Oflace Estimate. 

Before resuming the regular narration of the Association proceedings, and 
while the tigures are fresh in the mind of the reader, let us take up and examine 
this otHcial estimate in the light of comnion sense and of historical facts, suscep- 
tible of proof, and show our friends and tlie public how easily this blown bladder 
of misstatenients may be punctured. It is evidently the same document, (although 
we never had opportunity to examine it except on newspaper reports) which 
was worked up under Mr. Commissioner Baker, with a view to " nip in the bud" 
the ardent enthusiasm of our comrades grttwing out of the grand success of 
our tirst National Convention in January, 1874. It is very probable that the 
present Commissioner (lion. J. A. Beiitleyj sent the paper up to the Capitol with- 
out a critical examination of its contents ; and it is not at all likely that Senator 
lngall>. wiihin the brief time the paper was in his possession, attempted to work 
out the problem— preferring rather to accept the tigures as prepared by the De- 
partment arithmeticians. 

The report, it will be ^een, says the ratio adopted for estimating the survivors 
of 1812 was |. (That is 3 survivors out of avery 8 soldiers who served, or about 
37J percent, of the whole number.) 

'■ Subj^equently,'' says the reporc, •' ihe offloe was informerl that aa actual count was 
rt.<iile of two or ihree cooipauie^, which showed the survivors to be 41 to 44 ia UO." 

(Those companies must have been composed of remarkably liealthy and verv 
young men at tlie date of enlistment to hold out in that proportion over 57 years 
after chey rendered tlieir military services.) 

He further slates that 40,100 was the result of this estimate, while the actual 
number of applications suuseqaentlj'' received {i little over 4-2,000) is paraded in 
juxtaposition with the tirst tigures to show^ that tlie estimate was approximately 
correct. 

T'he clerk neglects by design or accident to exhibit the number of troops em- 
ployed in the war uf 1812, in connection with his other figures, but by reference 
to Tlie Adjutant Geiieral's report of March 4, 1850, "Showing the effective mili- 
tary forces enga^'eil in different wars," (easily accessible to the Committee) it 
will be seen that tlie aggregate of otliceis and soldiers in the war of 1812 was 471,- 
622. Xow one-eiglitli of that number would be 58,9.52, and three-eighths would 
be 176,858 survivors on hisf basis of calculation, in place of 40,100 as stated in the 
estimate. 

A very simple process will show, however, (namely, dividing 471,622 by 40,100) 
that the basis of the estimate was about llf per cent, of the whole number, mak- 



30 PROCEEDINGS OF NATIONAL ASSOCIATION 



lag the ratio of llf to 100, nearly equal to the ratio of 1 to8~-in,«read of -li t< 
Let us examine his "actual count" of 44-in-lOO theory. The 471. 622 offic 



3 to S,. 

Let us examine 'his "actual co'unt " of 44-in-lOO theory. The 471. 622 officer^ 
and men divided into companies of 100, gives us 4,716 companies. Multiplying^ 
these by 44 will o;ive us 207,504 survivors 1 How could it be possible for so wide 
a discrepancy to exist between this so-called •' acuial counr " and the actuotff cts 
as shown by the Pension Commissioner in bis Annual Keport for 1876? For 
while this astute aritlnnetician refers to the 42,000 appLications under the law of 
1871, he unfairly conceals the fact contained in the Annual Report for 1876, that 
only 28,548 were found to be pensioners under that law, whicli reduces the actual 
ratio to nearer 1 in 16. With these facts staring us in the face, we can be ex- 
cused from believing the statement that "an actual count was made of 2 or B 
companies wiiich showed the survivors to be 41 to 44 in 100 

The report goes on to say : 

'•From the commencement of the Florida war is 31 years." 

[Slightly in error a^ain, Mr. Calculator — the Florida war began in 1835, and 
from that date to 1877 would be 42 year.« 

"A.x\^ taking the estimate vulde J or the survivors of the war 1812 as the 6asis for oh'^uiring- 
the ' umber- in the foiearoin^ wars (173,799 soidiers) if is not unreasonable to assume that 
one- half survive at this date.' " 

This is the very sublimity of nonsense ! It would be far more *' reasonable' 
to suppose that one-half of them died before their terras of service expired, 36 or 
40 years ago. 

The report .says : 

■'In the Black Hawb, Florida and Mexie-m wars, there were 146,618 (11,169 mote than 
the records ot the vtar Departnaent show) soldiers rendering servicf . the ahr<ve esii- 
mitHigive- as surviving- over 73,000. Even adopting- the r.tio oi % (as in the war of 
1812,) which is without doubt mucli too low, the survivors woiild be 54,980 " 

Now let us take the figures of the Florida and Black Hawk wars as published 
in the Adjutant General's report before referred to, as follows : 

Black Hawk war of 1832 5,031 

Florida war of 1835-42 29,953 

Mexican war of 1846 100,460 

135 444 
One survivor in eight (which is really, as has been shown, double the ratio 
adopted in the 1812 estimate) will give 16,930 as the sum total of those wars, 
without making a single deduction for casualties, desertions, duplicate enlist- 
ments, counting the regular establishment in both the latter campaigns, or any 
of the distinctive causes tending to decimate the last named troops, as already 
shown in the annual report of the Secretary, published elsewhere in this 
pamphlet. 

On the other bandit is well known that the great body of the soldiers of 1812- 
14 were militia who never left their homes along the northern frontier, from 
Michigan to Maine, but turned out at stated periods for a drill or dress parade 
and held themselves in readiness for service when their neighborhood should be 
invaded. Two-thirds of them, it is safe to say, never slept in a tent nor made 
a forced march during the campaign, and nearly all of those who did any service 
in the South were in their graves many years before their pension was allowed 
by act of Contrres 

The fact appears to be, that the young man detailed to prepare the report for 
the Pension Bureau started out without a ''heading." If the number of troops 
in the war of 1812 had been before him, he would probably never have taken | 
for a basis. Once taken, however, it led him astray in all his subsequent calcu- 
lations, as it appears. 

Further Proceedings in Convention. 

The members of the Delegatioti having returned to Willard Hall, Vice Presi^ 
dent Love, of Indiana, in thf chair, 

Gen. George W. McCook, for the Delegation, reported the result of the inter- 
view with the Senate Committee substantially as it has been narrated. 



OF THE VETERANS OF THE MEXICAN WAR 31 

Gen. T. T. Crittenden, of Washington. D. C. addresserl the meeting, depict- 
ing in eloqiK-nt terms the results of the Mtixiean war. and contrasting the atti- 
tude of Senators witli the generous action of membejs of the other House, who 
reflected the sentiments of the people of the country. 

Col. 'I'heodore Giegg. who was color sergeant of the 4th Infantry in Mexico, 
and v\Oi' a Colonel's commis^iion in the 45th Pennsylvania during the late war, 
made a stin ing speech, overflowing with enthusiasm, which was frequently ap- 
phinded, }«nd restored a feeling of good humor. 

PRINTING PROCEEDINGS AC 

Mr. Lewis F. Beeler, of Baltimore, Md., of the committee selected to provide 
means for printing the proceedings of the Convention, etc., made a report recom- 
mending that the Secretary be authorized to have printed six thousand copies of 
the proceedings, and thn*: no matter, not of an official character, be inserted in 
the proceedings, and that the States be assessed as follows : Xew York. Penn- 
sylvania, Maryland, District of Cokmibia and Indiana, 200 copies, and all other 
States 100 copies, and as many additional copies as they may desire, price to be 
10 cents per copy by the 100 No copies to be forwarded only on orders from 
the respective State Associations — th- money in all cases to accompany the 
application for the proceediuifs 

On motion of W. L. Tidball the entire matter of preparing the report and re- 
ceiving the funds was referred to the Finance Committee. 

The report as amended w-as adopted. 

ANOTHER COMMITTEE TO CONFER WITH THP: SENATE COMMITTEE OF PEN- 
SIONS. 

J. M. H. Martin, of Mississippi, submitted a motion, which w^as adopted, that 
a committee of seven be appointed to wait on the Senate Pension Committee 
and use all efforts in their power to have the pension bill placed in proper shape 
antl «',alled up at this session, and to report to an adjourned meeting of the 
A.ssociatiou to be held to-morrow, ac 3 o'clock p. ra.. at General Denver's of- 
fice. 

The Chair, (Gen. John Love.) appointed as said Committee the following gen- 
tlemeii : J. M. II. Martin, of Miss.; Gen. George VV. McCook, of Ohio; Capt. 
John M Lord, of Indiana; Gf*n. Green Clay Smith, of Ky.; Gen. Thomas T. 
Crittenden, of D. C: Gen. Edwin R. Biles, of i'enn., and Judge J. W. Deason, 
of .Miss. 

The President and Vice President were subsequently added to the Committee. 

Th»- Convention then adjourned to meet on Saturday. 24t.h Feliniary, at 3 
<)Vlock p m.. at President Denver's rootns. 



THIRD DAY'S PROCEEDINGS. 

The Association met pursuant to adjuurnmeut. General J. \V. Denver in the 
fhair. 

Ge?i. John Love, on behalf of the Committee appointed yesterday afternoon. 
repo»-tr({ that they had vi<itt'd the Capitol at 10.30 this morning, "confident of 
HDotht-r hearing by ihe Committee of Pensions, but the Oregon question being 
up for consideration in the Senate, it was impossible to get the members of the 
Commiitce together. In couversatiou. Senator McDonald had exp?es>«'d a hope 
that a meetnig would be held early in the coming week, and Senator Bmnfide 
and Senator Cockrell had s|)uken encouragingly of our prospects. 

Judge Drason, of Miss., said he called on Senator Bruce, of that State, who 
proniise<i lo press action on the bill as soon as the Committee came together. 
and expressed the opinion that there was not an opponent of ttie measiTre on 
the Committee. 

Col. Gregg had seen Gen. Logan, who promised to do all in his power to get 
rhi- hill ihrough if it came before the Senate 

Col. Kuddach stated that in company with Secretary Kenaday he had obtained 
H promise from the Clerk of the Cuiumittee. A. R. Blaine, E.^q., to notify the 
President proiuptly of the time of meeringof the (Jommittee. 

Secretary Ivt-naday had an interview with Senator Ingalls, Chairman of the 



32 PROCEEDINGS OF NATIONAL ASSOCIATION 

Committee, who expressed regret at seeing in tlie published reports of yester- 
day's meeting that his position was misunderstood by some of the members of 
the Association. He doubted whether any member of the Committee was more 
friendly to the old soldiers of Mexico, among whom he counted manj'^ warm 
personal friends, than himself. As an individual Senator he fully appreciated 
the merits of their case, and its political significance in every point of view ; 
but as Chairman of the Committee he was obliiied to lay before its members the 
views expressed by the proper Department of the Government. It was difficult 
on ordinary occasions to obtain a " special" meeting of a committee, because 
the member? also belonged to other committees that met oji stated days ; but 
under the extraordinary rules governing the meetings of the Senate at that 
time, it was impossible to say at what time the members of the committee could 
be brought together. 

The Secretary pi-omised Senator Ingalls to correct any misapprehensions in re- 
gard to his position, in the published report of the proceedings of the Associa- 
tion ; and expressed the hope that he would enjoy Stnatorial life long enough to 
know that erroneous impressions do not work lasting injury to a public servant. 

President Denver was. on motion, authorized to fill vacancies which may occur 
on the committee appointed to confer with Senators in behalf of the bill, and the 
term of service of said committee was made continuous, until the work is accom- 
plished for which they are appointed. 

RECONSIDERATION OF THE REPORT ON PRINTING, &C. 

Judge Deason, of Miss., moved to recon.'^ider the vote by which the report in 
regard to providing: ways and means foi- printin; the proceedings was adopted 
yesterday. He stated that a strict construction of the resolution, as published in 
the morning pap<ns, would prohibit the Secretary from furnishing copies to a 
very large body of members unknown to the State Associations, and othei wise 
restrict the distribution of matters of general interest to all survivors of the 
Mexican war. 

The motion to recon.sider was agreed to. 

Judge Deason then moved to amend that portion of the report wherein it pro- 
vides that "" No copies to be forw^arded only on the oiders from the respective 
State Associations," — so as to allow any person to bu.y a copy, and authorizing 
the Secretary to send the same to the paity applying. 

Gen. Love moved as an amendment that the Finance Committee of the Associa- 
tion be empowered as usual to make such arrangements with the .Secretary as 
they may deem just and proper, which was adopted. 

CLOSING PROCEEDINGS. 

Judge Deason addressed the members, assuring them that his visit to Wash- 
ington on this occasion was one of the pleasantest events of his life, meeting com- 
rades from whom lie had been separated many years, an^ reviving recollections of 
the romantic dajs of youth and patriotic ardor. He hoped these reunions would 
be made perpetual while there remained a corporal's guard of the veterans to en- 
joy them, and if he lived he certainly would attend the Baltimore met ting 

Col. Ruddach, of Bnllimore, assured him that there would be a hearty wel- 
come extended to the veterans by the Monumental City, wliich piides itself on 
hospitality, and a hearty appreciation of the men who have served the Republic. 

Farting remarks were al^o made by Gen James Tilton, Col. Alexander Mont- 
gomery, Capt. J. M. Lord, Capt. W. B. Farisen, Col. C. N. Allen, Col. Feyton. 
of Miss., Mr. Ri^ed^ of Va., Mr. Parvin, of N J., Gen. Love, and others. 

President Denver then addi-essed the Convention, congratulating them on the 
harmony which had prevailed, and expressing the hope to meet them all well 
and hearty in Baltimore next year. 

He said the vast body of the memb( ivhip were in rejhiced circumstances, and 
the small pittance asked for them from ihe Government would afford some 
measure of relief to their physical wjnits, but behind this fact was the feeiing 
shared by all who served in Mexico, that the services to the country rendered by 
those men had been shamefully neglected by the representatives of the people, 
and this recognition was d(niiaridtd b^ every principle of justice and honor. 

The Convention then adjourned. 



Forwarded by A. M. KENADAY. Sec'y.. &c.. Lock Box 37. Washington D. C 



FIFTH ANNUAL REUNION 




ISTational A^ssociati >n 



^etcraiis of the j||exicau l^ar, 



BALTIMORE, MD., FEBRUARY 22, 1878, 



CONTAINING 



Minutes of Proceedings ; List of Officers ; Names of Members in atten- 
dance arranged according to their records on file ; Report of 
the First Secretary, including the Petition Presented to the 
45th Congress ; Interesting Synopsis of the Debate in the 
House on the proposed Pension Bill, &c. 



PREPARED AND PUBLISHED BY 

ALEXANDER M. KENADAY, 

First .Secretary. 




WASHINGTON : 

THOS. J. BRASUEARS, PltlNTER. 

1878. 




TABLE OF CONTENTS. 

The Present Outlook — Favorable Prospect for next Winter 48 

Constitution, By-laws and Order of Business 3 

Officers of the National Association 3 

List of Registered Members Present 4 

Regular Proceedings 5th Annual Reunion .... „• 5 

Annual Report of Secretary 8 

Increase of Enrolled Members 9 

Death-rate of Members . . 10 

Petition to 45th Congress 10 

The Bills Introduced in 45th Congress 14 

A "Parting Shot from the Pension Office" 14 

The Three Months Extra-Pay Law of 1848. 15 

The Proposed Alteration in the Constitution 18 

The Committee on Perpetuating the Organization, &c 19 

Oration of Gen. W. W. H. Davis 33 

Appendix 35 

The Secretary Rises to a Question of Privilege 35 

Letter of President Denver to Col. W. G. Moseley 39 

Reply of Col. W. G. Moseley 30 

Synopsis of Debates in Congress 31 

Speech of Hon. Hiram P. Bell, of Ga 31 

" " " H. A, Herbert, of Ala 33 

" " " L. Powers, of Maine 33 

The Secretary's Review of Same 34 

Speech of Hon. C. H Joyce, of Vt 35 

" " " A. M. Scales, of N. C 36 

" " " C. H. Sinninckson, of N. J 36 

" " " J. J. Davis, of N. 37 

" " " Harry White, of Pa 38 

" " " 0. E. Hooker, of Miss , 38 

" " " William Walsh, of Md 39 

•' " " H. Y. Riddle, of Tenn 39 

" " Otho R. Singleton, of Miss 40 

Letter of Jefferson Davis 40 

" " " J. J. Williams, of Ala 41 

" " " Williams, of Oregon 43 

" " " Ryan, of Kansas 43 

" " " John Goode. of Va 43 

" " " P. C. Hayes, of II] 43 

" " " Thomas Turner, of Ky 43 

" " " C. H. Brogden, of N. C 44 

" " " J. W. Throckmorton, of Texas 44 

Speech of Hon. G. W. Hewitt, of Ala *. 45 

General Review of the Speeches 46 

Passage of 1813 Pension Law 48 

The Pennsylvania Fiasco 48 



The Secretary returns sincere thanks to those comrades who gener- 
ously responded to his appeal for donations in currency or postal stamps, to aid him 
in publishing and distributing ^the proceedings. They have all been duly creditec 
with the amounts sent. He respectfully reminds the great majority of those whc 
receive the book, and who did not find it convenient to sooner respond, that th( 
sum thus far received falls considerable short of actual expenses. They should beai 
in mind that the siege has been a long one, and "the grass is getting short anc 
the water very low." The delay in getting out the book has been owing t( 
financial difficulties. If all who receive the book, however, will remit to the Secre 
tary a small donation in postal stamps or currency, (excepting, of course, those wh( 
have already responded,) it will aid the cause and show that the sender is still alive 

A. M. K. 



a 



FIFTH ANNUAL REUNION" 



OF THE 



ISTational Association 



OF 



^ctei7in5J ofi the J||cxican ^i\r, 



HELD IN 



BALTIMORE, MD., FEBRUARY 22, 1878, 



CONTAIN I Na 



Minutes of Proceedings ; List of Officers : Names of Members in attendance 

arranged according to their records on tile ; Report oi the First 

Secretary, including the Petition Prese nted to the 45th Congress ; 

Interesting Synopsis of the Debate in the House on the 

proposed Pension Bi U. &c, 



PREPARED AND PUBLISHED* liY 

ALEXANDER M. KIGNAjDAY 

First Secretary., 



WASHINGTOI^ : 

THOS. J. BRASHEAR8, KRINTER. 

1878. 



l^ONSTITUTION^ 



Akticle I. This Association shall be known by the name and style of "The 
National Association of Veterans of the Mexican War," and shall be composed of 
soldiers, sailors, and marines who served in that war, now in the service of the 
United States, or who have been honorably discharged* 

Art. II. The Association shall hereafter meet once a year, on the 22d daj'- of 
February, in the City of Washington, District of Columbia, or at such other time, 
and in such other place as shall be selected by the Association. 

Art. III. The objects of the Association shall be to organize the scattered 
veterans of the Mexican War into one body, upon the broad principles of equality, 
fraternity and charity, for the promotion of social intercourse, good-fellowship 
and all proper assistance. 

Art. IV. The officers of the Association shall be a president, one vice-president 
from each State, Territory, and the District of Coluntbia, the army and the navy; 
one treasurer, five secretaries, a council of administration of one from each State, 
Territory, and tlie District of Columbia, the army and the navy, and such other 
officers as may be provided for in the by-laws. 

Art. V. The officers of the Association shall be chosen by a vote of a majority 
of the members present at the annual meeting thereof, and shall continue in 
office until the next annual meeting, and until their successors shall be elected. 

Art. VI. All members in good standing in State and other local organizations 
shall be entitled to membership in this Association, and shall become meilibers 
upon written application by a vote of the majority of the members present at any 
regular meeting of the Association. 

Art. VII. No alteration or amendment shall be made to the Constitution, 
unless the same shall have been proposed in writing by three members at an 
annual meeting, and sustained by a vote of two-thirds of the members present, 
after due notice to the Association of the proposed alteration or amendment. 



1 



Y-LAWS. 



1. The duties of the officers of this Association shall be such as usually devolve 
upon officers of similar associations. 

2. The business of this Association shall be conducted in accordance with the 
usages of legislative bodies in this country. 

3. These By-Laws may be altered or amended at any annual meeting of the 
Association by a vote of two-thirds of the members present at such meeting. 



®RDER OF Business, 



1. At the appointed time the President shall take the chair and call the meeting 
to order. 

2. Roll call of officers. 

3. Appointment of Committee on Credentials and their Report. 

4. Minutes of the preceding meeting read and disposed of. 

5. Motions for and Appointment of Committees. 

6. Report of ^Standing Committees 

7. Unfinished Business. 

8. Final Reports of Committees and action thereon. 

9. Oration. 

10. New Business. 

11. Election of officers for the ensuing year. 

12. Anything for the good of the Association. 
18, Adjournment. 



[f&ttxs of il^t Salional ^ssotiation. 



Prpsident, James VV. Denvek, Washington, D. C. 

1st Vice President, JOHX Love, Indianopolis, Ind. 

First Secretary, Alex M. Kexaday, Lock Box 37, Washington, D. C. 

Treasurer: S. Y. Nilks, Washington, D. C. Matshal: E. R. Biles, Phila., Pa. 

Asst. Secretaries: H. A. McGlennkn, S. G-. Swan, L. F. Beeler, J. M. H. Martiit. 

Financial Committee: Bvt. Maj. Gen. S. P. Hrintzelman, S. V. Niles. and M. D. Montis. 

Washinp:ton, D. C. 
Vice Presidents and Council of Administration. 



U.S. Army.— Wm. F. Barry. Bvt. Maj. Gen., 

Baltimore; Gen. Benj. Alvord, PaymHster 

Gen., »> ashinprton, D. C. 
U. S. Navy. — Fabius Stanley, Rear Admiral, 

Washington, D. (J.: Surg. Gen. Wm. Maxwell 

Wood, Ow-ings Mills. Md. 
Alabama.— John R. Coffey, Fackler; George 

V. Hebb, Wilsonville. 
Arkansas.— J F. Fagan, Little Rock; Edw. 

J. Brooks, Muscogee, Ind. Ter. 
Califohnia.— Richard. P. Hammond, San 

Francisco; S- O. Houghton, San Jose. 
Colorado— Wm. Gilpin, S. M. Logan, Denver 
CoNNBCTiCL'T. — Levi v^ oodhouse, Hartford 

Justin Hodges, Riverside. 
DiST.CoLU.MRiA.-AlbertPike, T. T. Crittenden, 

Washington. 
Georgia.- George S. Fisher, Augusta; David 

S. Johnston, Madison. 
Illinois.— Ferris Foreman, Yaudalia ; P. T. 

Turnley, Chicago. 
Indiana.— Henry S. Lane, Mahlon D. Manson, 

Cr;iwl"ordsville. 
Iowa.— Josiah Given, Des Moines; Robert 

F. Bower, Keokuk. 
Kansas.— E. N. O. Clongh, Leavenworth; J- 

K. McClure, Junction City. 
Kentucky.— W. T. VVard, Louisville; T. W. 

Campbell; Bowling Green. 
Louisiana.— G. Mason Graham, Alexandria; 

P. O. Hebert, New Orleans. 
Maryland —Joseph H. Ruddach, D. G. Mur- 
ray, Baltimore. 
Massachusetts —Isaac H. Wright, Boston; 

Stephen Hoyt, Salem. 
Michigan.- Alpheus S. Williams. Detroit; 

Daniel McCoiinell, Grand Rapids. 
Minnesota. — Edmund Rice. .St. p.uil : Fran- 
cis Peteler, Minneapolis. 



Mississippi.- J. B. Deason, Brookhaven; E. A. 
Peyton, Jackson. 

Missouri.— T. J. Bartholow, St. Louis; Jonas 

J. Clark, Cliillicothe. 
Nevada.— W. W. McCoy, Eureka; W. Frank 

Stewart, Virginia City. 
New Hampshire.— T. P. Pierce, Thomas P. 

Whipple, Nashua. 

New Jkrsey— Chas. P. Bowers, James E. 
Nuttman, Newark. 

New York.— W. B. Burnett, Wm. Colligan, 
New York. 

North Carolina — O. R. Smith, Raleigh; Wm. 

M. Tanner, Sassafras Fork. 
Ohio.— George W. Morgan, Mount Yernon; 0. 

N. Allen, Steubenville. 
Oregon.— E. Hamilton, .Tohn W. Egan, Port. 

land. 

PENN.SYLVANIA.— Robt. Klotz, Mauch Chunk 
Wm. Brindle, Phila. 

Rhode Island.— A. E Burnside, The Capitol: 

Nelson Yiall, Providence. 
South Carolina.— R. G. M. Dunovant, Edge- 

fleld; W. B.Stanley, Columbia. 
Tennessee — Wm. J. Smith, Memphis, Leon 

Truesdell, Nashville. 

Texas.— S. B. Maxey. The Capitol; A. J. Dorn, 
Austin. 

YiKGiNTA — Philip D. Sutton, Warmington; J. 
F.Milligan, Norfolk. 

Washivgton- Tkr.— James Tilton, Seattle; 
Granville O. Haller, Conpeville. 

West Yirginia.— G. A. Porterfield, Charles- 
town; M. L. Dorn, Marlinsburg. 

Wisconsin.— C. R. Johnson, Black River Falls; 
Louis Netter, Green Bay. 



FIFTH ANNUAL REUNION. 
CLASSIFIED BY REGIMENTS. 



REGULARS— By Regiments. 

Topographical Engineers.— Bvt. Maj. Wm. H. Emory. 

Dragoons— 1st Regt — Bvt. Capt. John Love. 3d. Regt — A. M. Kenaday, Sergt.; Henry Ray 

Myers, — Mtd. Riflemen— John T. Lynch. 
TOLTiGEijRS.— Lieut. VV. J. Martin, Isaac N. Benjamin, Samuel Clark, Robert Harrington, J. H. 

Malone, Wm. J. Miller, Charles Peregoy. 
Artillery. — 2nd Regt— Henrv Clark, Albert Gruber, S. A. Pitts. 3d Regt,— Henry Koonitz, 

G^. A. Kreiger, Henr3'- Weil. 4th Regt.— Lieut. Edmund Bradford, Edwin R. Biles, Sergt. 

Major. 
Infantry.— 1st Regt.— A. R. French, 4th Regt.— Theodore G-regg, Color Sergt. 7th Regt.— 

Adam Fraber. 11th Regt.— Samuel Kraft. 12th Regt,— M. L. Bonham, Colonel ; James W. 

Denver, Captain; Willard Ayers. Itjth Regt. — Samuel T. Niles, Lieut. 
Q,. M. Dept.— George V. Hebb, Capl. and A. Q,. M ; George W. Martin (staff of Gen. Henry 

Whiting), Ed. Johannes, teamster. 
U. S. Navy.— James F. Milligan, Midshipman; Wm. Colligan, Richard Garrett, John R. Gould. 

Francis Merritt, John Nash, J. F. Mollere, Levi Louis, William Harcourt, D. W. Meuiken, 

Thomas P. Russell, Wm. Silright, John Smith, B. F. Peddle, Ross Johnson, W. H. Perkins, 

Frederick Selway, John Browers, Matthew Slierman, Daniel Witz, William Williams, 

Marinb Corps — .1. D. Simms. Revunuk Marine.— Osraan Peters. 

A'-OLUNTEERS— by STATES AND RHGIMENTS. 

California.— Capt. John A. Sutter. 

Georgia.— 1st Inf.— John L. Ells. 

iLLijiOiK.— istlnf — Geo. S Fisher, C. E. Goodell. 4th Inf.— J. H. Merrymon. 

Indiana— 1st Inf.— Douglas Dale. 

Kentucky — 1st Inf.— Francis M. Schell. 

L0uisiAKA.^-3rd Inf. —Capt. G. Mason Graham, A. M. Kenaday. 6th Inf.— Henry R. Myers. 7th 

Inf — Cai^t J. C. Downer. 
Maryland and Disr. of Columbia.— 1st Batt — Capt. F. B. Schaeffer, Lieut. Joseph H. Rud- 

dach; Sergt. L. F. Beeler, George Freeburger, John R. Hiltz, .John Allen, John D. Pre!«;ton, 

John .Jacobs, .Joshua Lloyd, A. J. Williams, John W. Hamilton, Wm. Lee. 2nd Regt. — 

Lieut. Col. Wm. H. Emory, Capt. Francis B. Schaeffer, David G. Murray, Ord. Sergt.; J. W. 

Smith, Wm. J. Nicolls, Gilbert Murdock, John H Thompson, Edward Cooley, Thos. W. 

Mills. 
Massachusetts.— Capt W. W . H. Davis, Capt. E. A. Paul. 
Missouri —1st Cavalry— Thos. .J. Bartholow, W. H. Richardson, 
New YOMK.—StevensonKt Regt. —Joseph G. Dow; F. D. Clark. BurnetVs Regiment .— Col . Ward 

B.Burnett, W. B. Parisen, Joseph Henriques, M. L. Dome, Thos. W. Mills, Edward Carr. 
Ohio.- 1st Inf.— Capt Wm. B. Howard. .5th Inf.— M. D. Montis. 
Pknnsylvania.— IaT: Regt. — Howarcl M. Cole, Edward Atkins, Wm. French, Robert Reid. 2nd 

Regt.— I^\i-\\t. Col. William Brindle, Lieut. Robert Klotz, Lieut, Thos. McCann, Thos. R. 

Crellin, William Ryninger, R. N. Firster, C. W. Diven. 
South Carolina.— PaZmeC^o JSe.gr^.- Capt. W. B. Stanley. 
Texas.— 6«/t Cat).— E. M. Greene. 
Virginia.— J. Richard Llewellyn, L. H. Fftzhugh, Andrew J. Copenhaver , John R. Onion, John 

H. Hunter, George W. Richardson, George W. .Jennings, P, D. Sutton. 



FIFTH ANNUAL REUNION 

OF THE 



National Association of Veterans 



OP THE 



BALTIMORE, Feb. 22, 1878. 

At 11 o'clock a. ni. the members who had arrived in Baltimore the evening 
previous found their way. throuj^h the special notices left at the various hot<ds and 
announcements in the daily papers, to the spacious New Assembly Rooms, 
situated on the corner of Lombard and Hanover streets, where they were warmly 
welcomed by their enthusiastic comrades of the Maryland State Association. Col. 
J. A. Ruddach the worthy President of the Marylanders, assisted by Vice Presi- 
dents Lewis F. Beeler, VVilliani Lee and John G. Fury. Treasiner David G. 
Murray, and Secretaries J. R. Gould and JoIuh L. Ells, and the local membership 
generally, took especial pride in making their visitors feel perfectly at home- 
After seeinjr their quests properly rci^istcred by the Secretary of the National 
Association, who had been in attendance from the previous day, they were shown 
the decorations of the Hall, t.astefully arranged by a comiuittee consistin^^ of 
Comrades J. G. Fury, William Lee. John Allen, and Edward .Johannes. Overhead 
National Hags tloafed in lavish profusion, surrounding, but with no unfriendly 
intent, the colors of the Republic of Mexico, about which hung pendant a goodly 
number of baskets of rare and beautiful tlovvers. Behind the rostrum, on which 
were seats arranged for the ofticers of the Association, the coat-of-arms of each of 
the thirteen original States of the Union were grouped in an arch, with Pennsylva- 
nia for the keystone; the younger members of the sisterhood ornamenting the 
walls in the order of their admi-^sion. Beneath the arch hung the portrait of the 
gallant I/ieutenaut Colonel William. H. Watson, commander of the l.st 
Battalion of Maryl:ind and District of Columbia Volunteers in Mexico, who was 
killed at the head of his command at Monterey, on tlie 21st of Sef)tember, 1846. 
The fla;j:, in wliich his body was enwrapped, and brought to Jiis native State for 
interment, hung in one of the ante-rooms, and has ever since been regarded as a 
sacred relic by the surviving members of the battalion Beneath the President's 
chair, and immediately behind the table allotted to the Secretary, vvas displayed a 
unique colleclion of relics, very susrgestivo of olden times to many members pre.se nt. 
The grouping consisted of a Mexic in scrape in thi^ back-ground (captured from a 
guerrilla, who had no further use for it;) a viacheta, that .had evidently done good 
service in cutting pathways throtigh the cliapparal for its owner's e.><cape on 
previous occasions; an cscopeta, — (souie old Englisli soldier's musket razeed to suit 
the less stalwart dte(/o of flic tropics;) a Mexican saiklle, a pair of boots , a sword 
and a lance — the whole surroim(l<Ml by an American flag and presenting a picture 
that would make our old camarado, Nat. Sckeeohbr, Esq., or any other Texas 
Ranger, fairly howl I 

While the Secretary is makino: these observations and jotting them down for the 
edification of absent members, Marshal George A Freeburger is getting together 
a squad of Baltimoreans to go down to the Ca/nden Depot and welcome the 
members from Washington City, who were due in the 11 o'clock train. 

The party soon returned, rscorting General J. VV. Denver, President; General 
John Love, 1st Vice; Treasurer, S. V. Niles, General G. Ma.son Graham, General 
W. W. H. Davis, General Ward B Burnett. Governor M. L. Bonham, Colonel W. 
B. Stanley, General John A. Sutter, General T. J; Bartholow, and many others 
from all parts of the Union, who had been sojourning a few days in Washington in 
anticipation of the annual meeting. Upon entering the main hall the parry were 
greeted with enthusiastic cheers, and Colonel Ruddach in behalf of the Maryland 
Association ascended the rostrum with President Denver and delivered an 



6 PROCEEDINGS OF NATIONAL. ASSOCIATION 

appropriate address of welcome to the Monumental City, of which they were the 
representatives in Mexico. 

President Denver feelingly responded. He thanked the Maryland Association 
in behalf of the members from abroad for their kind reception. "We could not," 
said the President, ''ask for a better display than you have prepared for us, and we 
receive it as an indication of the hearty good feeling which exists and which 
should always exist between us." Further along he remarked with emotion: '"I 
^reet you, comrades, on this anniversary of our orj^janization, not as I would like 
to, because I regret to say that our ranks have been sadly thinned since we last 
met. Among our losses during tbe past year are enumerated such men as George 
W. McCook, who was esteemed by all who knew iiim as a man who had a proper 
appreciation of himself and respect for the opinions of others— a man who boldly 
did what his conscience told him was right." He then introduced to the audience 
Captain John A. Sutter, the venerable pioneer of California, upon whose rancho 
the gold fields were first discovered. Captain Sutter was greeted with cheers and 
applause, and bowed his acknowledgment. 

The following telnuraphic dispatch, at that moment received from General 
Green Clay Smith, of Kentucky, who had been selected by the previous convention 
as orator of the day for this occasion, was read by the President. 

'■'■President Mexican Veteran Assocudion. — At the last moment I found it impos- 
sible to cQuie, which I deej^ly regret." 

A recess was then taken till 12 o'clock, in order to give the delegations just 
arrived an opportunity to register their names. 



REGULAii PROCEEDINGS. 

At 12 o'clock the President announced from the chair that the order of business 
would be proceeded with, and directed Secretary Kenaday tocall the roll of officers, 
inviting such of them as were present to take seats upon the platform. 

The following oflioer-'. members of the National Association, re.'^ponded when 
their names were called: President, Generai J, W. Denver; 1st Vice President, 
General John Love; 1st Secretary, A. M. Kenaday; 'i'rea'^urer, Captain S. V. Niles; 
Marslial. General E. R. Biles; Assistant Secretary. L. F. Beeler, Esq.; Finance 
Committee, M. D. Montis, >>sq.; Colonel George S. Fisher, V. P. of Georgia; 
General G. Mason Graham, V. P. of Louisiana; Colonel J. H. Rnddach, V. P. and 
D. G. Murray. C. of A of Maryland; General William ('oliigan. C- of A. of New 
York; Colonel Robert Klotz, V. P. of Pennsylvania; Colonel W. B. Stanley, C. of 
A. of South Carolina; General James Tilton, V. P. of Washington Territory; 
Martin L. Dorn, C. of A. of West Virginia. 

A motion was made to appoint a committee on credentials 

The President stated that tliis was a meeting of members of the National 
Association, and that all members thereof were entitled to participate in the 
proceedings. He suggested that ir, would be economy of time to read the list of 
names registered, and proceed to business; which was accordingly done. 

[The names of members of the National Association present, classified by corps, 
regiments, &c , as appear by tlieir written statements of service filed with the 
Secretary, will be found on pa^e 3 It will be seen in the course of the 
proceedings that two or three individuals took part in the meeting who, if they 
ever rendered service in Mexico, for reasons best known to themselves have never 
made written application to become members, as required by the Constitution, but 
have repeatedly attended the meetings and for no friendly purpose, apparently. 
While a faitliftil report of the proceedings would, perhaps, not justify exclusion of 
their motions, &c., it is the duty of the Secretary to show their status in the 
Association in connection with such motions, &c ] 

On motion, the readiiig of the proceedings of the last annual meeting was 
dispensed with, the same having been published in pamphlet form and distributed 
by mail to all che members. Extra copies were on hand for those who had failed 
to receive them. 

General Ward B. Burnett, commander of the New York volunteers who served 
in Mexico, submitted a communication from tlie Adjutant General of the Army, 
addressed to General Burnett, as follows: 

"Sir — In answer to your verbal request of November 15, 1877, T respectfully 

inform you that the regiment commanded by Colonel Ward B. Burnett is 

considered by this office as the First New York Vohmteers Mexican War. That 

regiment was mustered in and out of service as the First." 

General Burnett stated his only object in submitting the letter was to correct aa 



Oh" THE VERERANS OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 7 

error which the Association had fallen into hi regard to the number of his regiment. 

Francis D. Clark, of New York, who went to California in the regiment 
commanded by Colonel J. D. Stevenson, with much vigor contended that the 
regiment to whicli he belonged was entitled to be called the ''First," and his ardor 
attracted to liis side of the question several persons who were not particularly 
interested. 

The President, discovering on the floor a disposition to wrangle over the subject, 
interposed with a remark that no person could dispute the fact tliat both Colonel 
Burnett and Colonel Stevenson commanded regiments of jSTew York Volunteers 
during the Mexican War, but that no person outside of those regiments cared 
which was first or secoJid. 

A motion was made to lay the subject on the table, and was passed.* 

The Pntsidont appointed a committee of which Ool. J. H. Ruddach was chairman, to 
select an orator from among the numibfrs present to fill the place, during the 
evening, assigned to General Green Clay Smith, by the last meeting. 

[At a later stage of the proceedings, Colonel Ruddach reported thai General 
William W. H Davis, of Doylestown, Fa., (Captain of Company I, 1st Massachu- 
setts Volunteers in Mexico,) had consented to recite his recollections of the "Halls 
of the Montezumas," for the entertainment of nis comrades and the invited guests 
of the Baltimoie Association, at 8 o'clock, p. m. The announcement was received 
with applause.] 

Mr. Francis D. Clark, of New York and New Jersey, again occupied the 
attention of the meeting with a motion that a Committee of Inquiry be appointed 
with reference to the c:»nnon donated by order of the President of the United 
States for tile purpose of making medals, &c., &c., and what amount of money 
had been received by Secretary Kenaday, how many had been distributed, &c. 

Several members rose. 

Captain Samuel V. Niles. Treasurer of the Association, and member ')f the 
Finance Committee, said he regretted to see the spirit of detraction and ill-feeling 
which has hern again and again leveled at the Secretary b}^ a few individuals who 
appear to have no other object in attending our reunions but to find fault with that 
offif^er. The subject of the proposed inquiry was investigated at the meeting of 
Februar3% 1870, and not satisfied with this, another inquiry was instituted last 
February. In e.very investigation the Secretary has been vindicated, and has 
shown a great deal of patience to continue in his arduous duties under such 
continued abuse. 

[A member from New York interrupted the speaker by saying that members in 
that State had no connection with Mr. Clark's plan of action, or words to that 
elfect.] 

Captain Niles continued, saying that the Secretary had courted investigation, 
because he knew that such insinuations were calculated, if not designed, to impair 
his usefulness to the members in the oositiou assigned to him. His accounts have 
been subject to examination by the President and the Finance Committee of the 
Association, and I have before me now an abstract of his receipts and disburse- 
ments, and the latter exceed the former without making any allowance whatever 
for his own services during the past five years. His annual report will show the 
number of medals distributed this year as it did last year. Captain Niles made 
some further remarks in relation to tlie difficulties surrounding the Secretary's 
office and his energy in overcoming them tfcc- M. D. Montis. Esq., member 
of Finance Committee, followed the Treasurer, in commendation of the Secretary's 
efforts. 

Colored Henry Ray Mvers, of Alabama, stated that he was glad to hear these 
testimonials of his old comrade, who he believed to be an hon<;st man. He served 
with Sergeant Kenaday th irty- two years a^o in Company "G," Third Dragoons, 
and he was a< "brave a man as ever drew a sabre," &c., &c. 

A gentleman present from New York, whose name does not appear among the 
members of the Association, arose and stated that he was the Quartermaster. 
Sergeant of the Third Dragoons and he did not recognize Secretary iCenaday as a 
member of the company which he claimed to belong to. (Sensation.) 

Colonel Myers remarked that there was nothing stri nge in that circumstance 
'J'hat he did not recognize the * 'Quartermaster Sergeant" in the speaker. But he 

* A later (Statement of the Adjutant Geueral dated April 13. 1878. shows that Burnett's regiment was 
mustered into service as 1st New York Volunteers, and was so diisigaated until January, 1848, and was 
then mus'ered as 'id New York Volunteers. After muster out of service it was designated as lat New 
York Volunteers. 

That Stevenson's Regiment was mustered in as 7th New York Volunteers, until February 28, 1848, 
and subsequent to that date was mustered as 1st New York Volunteers. 



8 PROCEEDINGS OP NATIONAL ASSOCIATION 

did know Sergeant Kenaday by long and intimate Association in the same 
company and in sharing the same dangers. 

"Thi ' 'Quartermaster Sergeant" here stated that he did not recognize Myers 
as a member of the Third Dragoons either, which cansed some merriment. 

Colonel Meyers retorted that the "Quartermaster Sergeant" was with the head- 
quarters of tlie regiment on the Rio Grande; but if any person doubted his 
(Myers') record, by a simple inquirj^ at the Pension Office it could be ascertained 
that he had been drawing a pension for the past thirty-one years for a wound 
received as a member of Companj^ "G" on Scott's line of the army in Mexico 

General T. J. Bartholow followed with some remarks and moved a vote of 
thanks to Secretary Kenaday for his zeal, energy, *fec., which passed nem. con.^ 
and further prosecution of Mr. Clark's motion was dropped. 

tkeasurer's report. 

Captain S. V. Niles subnn'tted the following statement of transactions of his 
office for the year ending February 22, 1878: 

Cash on hand February 22, 1877, .' $30.96 

Amount of collections to defiay expenses of Willard Hall, February 22, 1877, 32.35 
Amount paid by Nevada State Association, Carson City, being balance of 

assessment of 1874, 25.00 

Total amount, $88.31 
expenses. 

Amount paid for use of Willard Hall, $20.00 

Amount paid Secretary as per vouchers of expenses in 1875,.... 25.00 45.00 

Balance, $43.31 
(Subject to reduction of some small payments due amounting to $8 or $10.) 

Respectfully submitted. 

S. V. NILES, Treasurer. 
President Denver called Secretary Kenaday to the platform to read his Annual 
Report as follows: 

AKKUAL REPORT OF THE SECRETARY. 

HEACPRTERS NATIONAL ASSOCIATION VETERANS MEXICAN WAR. ^ 

Office of the Secretary, 625 6th Street N. W. V 
Washington, D. C. February 22, 1878. J 

General J. W. Denver, President, &c. 

Sir: For the information of members, I respectfully submit the following re- 
view of the transactions cf my office for the past year. 

distribution of last annual proceelings. 

On the 25th of June, 1878, the Finance Committee issued through the Secretary 
the follov,^ing circular, addressed to the Vice Presidents, Council of Administration, 
and officers of city and county organizations, &c., to wit : 

Gentlemen : The last meeting of the members of the National Association, held 
February 22, 1877, appointed a special connnittee to devise ways and means for de- 
fraying the expenses of printing the annual proceedings, reports, &c., who reported 
a plan of subscription by officers of^the respective States, as follows : '•'JNew York, 
200 copies; Pennsylvania, 200 copies; Maryland. 200 copies; District of Columbia 
200 copies; Indiana, 200 copies; and all other States, each, 100 copies, or as many 
additional copies as they may desire. Price to be $10 per hnndred copies. No 
copies to be forivarded, only on the orders from the respective State Associations — the 
money in all cases to accompany the application."" 

As the wliole subject matter was subsequently referred to this committee for re- 
vision, we have found the proposed plan (wliicli appears to have been well intended, 
but hastily considered) impracticable, in tliis, tliat a failure on the part of the officers 
of any Stat<^ (not improbable in the light of past experience) to order a sufiicient 
number of copies to sui^pl}^ all the members of the National Association within that 
State, would not only deprive such members of desirable information, but would 



OF THE VETERANS OP THE MEXICAN WAR. 9 

absolutely prevent the Secretary from supplyina: it to many persons who are duly 
enrolled as members, oven upon their own application for the same 

We have therefore deemed it advisable to modify the plan suggested, and have 
authorized Secretary Kenaday to supply (in addition to the copies subscribed for) 
any person wliose nanje is upon his rolls, or who makes application therefor, upon 
-iich terms as he rhink* will remunerate him forliis outlay of money and labor. 

The Finance Committee beg leave to remind members, in this connection, that 
inasmueh as the; (?on.stitution imposes no ^'initiation fee" nor "yearly dues" upon 
veterans who desire to join the Xational Association, the current expenses for print- 
ing, postage, and the vast amount of correspondence and clerical labor involved in 
a nn'mbership so large, necessarily depends upon such voluntary aid as public- 
spirited and ('(Uisidciare mt^nbers may feel inclined to contribute to that end. The 
Secrc^tary has nxhibited to the committee his method of recording such donations, 
which indicat(\-; a conscientious desire to account for every transaction in his office, 
and Ills manner of conducting the allairs entrusted to him by the Association, which 
met tljc unanimous approval of the committee appointed at the last meeting to in- 
vestigate the same, also mot with our hearty endorsement. 

We recomnx-nd that all orders he forwarded to Secretary Kenaday w<7Am teiidays 
after receipt of this circular, to enable him to regulate the size of the edition to be 
printed, and liave them circulated some weeks prior to the assembling of Congress, 
in October, if possible. 

KespectfuUy, S. P. HEINTZELMAN, 

SAMUEL V. N^ILES, 
M. D. MONTIS, 

Committee of Finance. 

Tiie responses receive<l up to August 15th, when it was deemed necessary to have 
pamphlets printed and distributed before the meeting of Congress, in October, were 
as follows : 

From E. A Peyton. Sec. Miss. Ass'n, 50 copies $5 00 

'' Gen. Or. Mason Graham, V. P. for La.^ 100 copies 10 00 

"■ Gen John Love, 1st V. P. for Indianna. 200 copies 20 00 

"• D. G. Murray. Treas. for Md. Ass'n, 200 copies 20 00 

** S. VV. Smith, Treas. for Ills. Ass'n, iOO copies..-. - 10 50 

Total , $65 50 

A few individual sub.seriptions swelled the amount to !578. ISTotwith standing 
these discouraging returns (for I know from personal experience Mie difficulty of col^ 
looting such as.«essuients) I det(M'mined to a^ain assume the risk of printing and dis- 
tributing the pamphlet, and trust to voluntary aid. as suggested by the Finance 
Committee, for return of the cash outlay. Accordingly, in August I put the matter 
(which had boe?i revjs<>d by the committeo, and approved,) into the hands of the 
printer, and issued 8 000 copies, filling all orders received, and «1istributing the re- 
mainder to every comrade whose name I had collected during the past five years, 
prepaying tho postage thereon. Since the publication I have received, and noted to 
tiie credit of the donors, an aggregate of $283 in currency and postage stamps, in- 
oludiui; the subscriptions above referred to. Th<» actual cash expended on the book, 
for i»aper, piinting. folding, postage, etc. was $379.54 — without including the labor 
of uiombors of my family Deficioncy. $96.84. The co.'^r of prititing 7.000 copies of 
the p'-evious year was $3'J1.17; while the printing of 8,000 copies this year was only 
$18.87 more. At the date of my last report T stated the loss on actual cash outlay 
at $207 22. Subsequently I rocoivod and credited on that account $25 from the St. 
Louis Ass'n, $20 from tlie Washington Ass'n, $10 from Wm. Smith, of JSTevada, for 
obtaining his land warrant, and other small donations, amounting altogether to $93 
leaving the deficiency $114 22. 

INCREASE OP ENROLLED MEMBERS. 

My last annual report showed an aggregate of 4,629 enrolled members, of which 
number 3.097 iiad received the badoje insignia of membership. At this writing, the 
number of badges procured by members is 3,517 — being an increase of 320 badge 
members during tlje pa^t year — making a total of 4,949 "enrolled" members. I have, 
however, the names of 7,000. ii\ round numbers, who are supplied with the printed 
proceedings, &c., ami the 2,000 not vet enrolled will doubtless join the organization 
in due form when circumstances permit. The stock of badges on hand last year 



iO PltOOEEDINQS OP iJATIONAL ASSOOlATlOJJ 

having been exhausted, I proeured an additional supply of 1,000 shields from the 
U. S. Mint, and, at the present rate of demand, it will be some time before those 
now on hand will be exhausted. It is proper to say that the die from which they 
were cast will probably never be used again, and those desiring this souvenir should 
apply early. 

THE DEATH BATE OF MEMBERS. 

At our last meeting, it will be remembered, onr lamented friend and comrade 
Gen. George W. McCook, Tiieut. Col. S^l Ohio Vols, in Mexico, whose sudden death 
on the 28th of December last, in New Yorli city, has been announced and deplored 
all over the country, offered a resolution directing the Secretary to communicate 
with the various State Associafions with a view to ascertaining the number of their 
members who have died since the beginning of this organization, which was 
accordingly done through the medium of the last pamphlet. The responses received 
from individual members have been quite numerous, and a mourning mark drawn 
around the name of the deceased comrade on the rolls indicates his departure, and 
the date thereof, where it was transmitted by tlie informant. The only response, 
however, that will serve as a basis for estimating the annual death rate, is that re- 
ceived from the Baltimore Association, which numbers about 150 members, accord- 
ing to my information. Their Secretary recently reported to me the loss of sixteen 
members during the year 1877. If this sad rate of mortality may be accepted as an 
indication of the general decrease of our numbers, it is calculated to awaken mourn- 
ful reflections, and should remind us that in the ordinary allotment of time to per- 
form our duties to one another on earth, none of us can aftbrd to waste the few 
remaining days of usefulness that we can reasonably clMim Gen. McCook will be 
remembered by those present at our last meeting, as appearing to be one of the best 
preserved members in attendance, and when we recall the interest and zeal which 
he manifested in belialf of our cause, we cannot resist a poignant feeling of regret 
at his untimely death. Through the kindness of comrade C. X. Allen,' C. of A , 
Steubenville, Ohio, the Secretary has been supplied with a sketch of Gen. McCook\s 
career, and the obituary testimonials of his neighbors and friends, which will be 
carefully preserved with the records relating to our membership in Ohio. 

THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION'S PHOTOGRAPH ALBUM. 

The responses to my request for photograph likenesses of members, with a view 
to preserving them in an album, arranged by regiments, and thus affording Mr. 
Brady an opportunity to add to his coll'^ction of "-Distingnished Representative Men 
of America," purchased by Congress — have not been sufficiently munerous as yet 
to justify the preparation of the volume. Those already received — about 28 in 
number— are carefully tiled When the pension bill is passed, it is hoped that many 
of the members will forward their photographs as a contribution to the archives of 
the Association. 

PETITION TO THE 45tH CONGRESS 

The failure of our bill for a pension in the 44th Congress necessitated proceedings 
de novo when the 45th Congress assembled on the 15th of October last. During the 
summer I prepared a statement of our case, based on data in my possession derived 
from various authentic sources of information, and a careful personal study of the 
subject from different points of view, and formulated the knowledge thus obtained 
in the shape of a petition to the Senate and House of Representatives. L submitted 
the manuscript to Gen. Albert Pike, C. of A. of the District of Columbia, for revis- 
ion, who approved it entirely, and when Gen. Denver returned to the city, the peti- 
tltion was formally signed and presented— in the Senate by Hon. -J. J. Ingalls, 
Chairman of the Pension Committee, and in the House by Hon. J. K. Luttrell, of 
California, when, at his request, it was printed in the Congressional Record, as 
follows: 

PETITION OF THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF VETERAN^S OF THE 

MEXICAN WAR. 

To the honorable the Senate and House of Representatives 

of the United States of America in Congress assembled: 

Your petitioners, in behalf of their comrades, the National Association of Veter- 
ans of the Mexican War of 1846, a body composed of survivors of the army and navy 



OF TELE VETERANS OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 11 

engaged in that memorable conflict of arms with a foreign power, most respectfully 
beg leave to renew their hnrable petition, submitted to Congress in February, 1874, 
praying that a pension of $8 a month be, allowed to all surviving officers and men 
who were engaged in the service during that war and received honorable discharge, 
The s.ime to continue during the brief remainder of their natural lives; and also ask- 
iii:; that the widows of deceased soldiers and sailors be included, as has been hereto- 
fore allowed by tiie act of Congress to the survivors of 1812. 

Your petitioners are impressed with the belief that compliance with their previous 
prayer Ijhs been delayed to this day in consequence of erroneous estimates heretofore 
submitted to the Senate by the Commissioner of Pensions, who had been called upon 
by the honoi-nble chairman of the committee investigating the case, to furnish reli- 
able information as to the probable number of survivors and the cost: to the public 
Treasury if the just request were acceded to. 

By these estimates, so furnished from time, it was made to appear that a much 
larger sum of the public money would be required than the facts, since ascertained 
by your petitioners, and lierein respectfully submitt/'d for careful consideration, will 
warrant the Pension Office in maintaining hereafter; bec;iuse it is shown that the 
estimates of the Commissioner were founded upon grossly erroneous bases, which 
would have been exposed long ago had the mysterious process by which he worked 
out hit* eonchisions been available to your petitioners. 

The Commissioner's estimate conveys the idea that the ratio of survivors of the 
war of 1812, forty-seven years after tlie commencement of that war, was ascertained 
by njathematical interpolatio?) to be 3 in 8 of the troops enrolled, and gave the re- 
sult of this calculation as 40,100 survivors. To prove the accuracy of this precon- 
ceived opinion, he adverts to the actual number of applications for pensions filed 
subsequently to the passage of the act of February 14, 1871, about 42,000 in round 
numbers. A critical examination of the matter, however, readily exposes the error 
of the Pension Office. Tlie total number of men employed in the war of 1812, as 
s'lown by the report of th<' Adjutant-General of March 4, 1850, was 471,672. IVow 
if the ratio adopted (3 in 8) had been correctly given, it would have shown 176,858 
survivors, instead of 40 100, as stated in the return. 

Yet this false ratio, albged to have been used in the 1812 case, has been utilized 
by the P(Mision Office to misrepresent the number of survivors of the jVlexican 
war, amplifle(i. however, to 4 in 8, in order to make up for the ditference in time in 
the two cases; by which process the extravagant result of about 52,500 survivors of 
the Mxican war is p roduced. 

Very naturally this e-timate, emanating from an official so'irce on a call for im- 
partial information, had a powerful influence on the minds of honorable Senators 
and Representatives, who recognized the justice of the memorial presented to them, 
but were constrained to postpone definite action because of tlie drain on the Treas- 
ury supposed to be involved. . 

In th(; meantime, however, thi-ough the instrumentality of the iSTational Associa- 
tion in tile several States and Territories (organized for the purpose of rendering 
proper assistance to the aged and decrepit survivors, constituting perhaps three- 
fourtlis of the membersliip, without asylum or pecuniary means at their command) 
earnest and persistent etibrts have been made to learn the wliereabouts of every 
living comrade, with a view to furnishing to the honorable Representatives of the 
peoph; in Congress a reasonable approximation to tlie number likely to become 
beneficiaries under the proposed law. To this end tlie simple method adopted by 
the association has been to enroll the names transmitted to headquarters fr,)ra all the 
States and Territories, according to the respective regiments and battalions in vvhich 
they served in Mexico, without special regard to their present place of residence. 
The whole luunber of survivors' names thus transferred to the association rolls since 
the work began, now nearly five years, is aoout 7,000, which includes many already 
on the pension-rolls, and the names of others who have died since the organization. 
Of this numb(M', 4.629 have been classified by regiments, &c., at the close of the last 
Congress. Of {h\^ fracti07ial number of the names filed, there was found an average 
of 41 survivors to 25 of the regular army regiments; 45 to 5 Indiana regiments ; 43 
to 5 Kentucky regiments; and 46 to 5 Ohio regiments of volunteers. Assuming that 
this fractional number covers fully one-half of the men still living, say 9,258 in all, 
which amount is 2 258 more than the State and county associations have been able 
to trace, your honorable body will have a reasonable basis of calculation. The forty 
regiments referred to consist of 400 companies, and embrace a total of 3,400 siu'vi- 
vors, being an average of 8.5 to the company. The official records (report of Adju- 
tant-General, December 3, 1849; show there were 100,445 troops, rank and file, 
employed during the war, and further examination will show there were 1,033 
companies of men being, according to the aggregate given, an average of 97 mea 



12 PROCEEDINGS OF NATIONAT, ASSOCIATION 

to the company. Multiplying the whole number of companies by the number oi 
survivors found in 400 companies gives a total of 8,780. (1,033x8.5=8,780.) 

Your petitioners respectfully submit that the above method of calculating the 
number of survivors of the Mexican war, most of whom participated in the late war, 
is far more practical than the ordmary processes; but in any estimate based on thf 
number employed in the war. the facts should be taken into the account that 12,896 
deaths occurred in the army during the war from all causes; 2,778 were mustered, 
but immediately dischari^ed, without proceeding to the seat of war; and 6,725 were 
deserters. In addition to the above; there were 9,749 soldiers discharged on account 
of wounds and other disabilities incurred in the line of duty, which has already 
placed many of tliem on the pension-rolls, (the Pension Commissioner recently re- 
ported about 5,000 on the rolls;) and it is also well known that large numbers of the! 
three, six, and twelve months' volunteers re-enlisted after expiration of theirj 
terms, and their names are thus duplicated in the grand aggregate. 

In regard to the merits of the case, your petitioners respectfully invite attention 
to the resolutions of approval from the various State Legislatures, heretofore submit- 
ted to Congress, and to the following report of the minority of the House Com- 
mittee of Pensions in the Forty-third Congress, which was also embraced in the 
report of the House committee of the Forty-fourth Congress, and received the 
unanimous approval of the House of Representatives on the 4th of January, 1877. 
The report was prepared in the spring of 1875, to wit : 

''VIEWS OF THE MINOKITY. 

*'The minority of the Committee on Invalid Pensions, to whom were referred the 
memorial of the National Convention of Mexican War Survivors, who assembled in 
"Washington City on the 15th of January, 1874, asking to be placed on the pension- 
rolls, and also bill (H. R. 577) granting pensions to the survivors of the Mexican 
war, have had the subject under consideration, and submit the following report as 
their views: 

""The Federal Government early adopted the policy of rewarding its soldiers and 
sailors who perilled their lives in the military and naval service to save the life of the 
Republic with donations out of the public domain as well as by moneyed pensions. 
This policy has been steadily adhered to as wise, just, and humane. 

"'The soldiers and sailors of the Mexican war of 1846 and 1848 suftered incredible 
hardships under a tropical sun and a malarious climate, and by endurance, valor, 
and indomitable energy vanquished their foes and brought victory to our arms in 
a manner so glorious as to deserve at the hands of the country the recognition 
prayed for in their memorial. 

*•• The fruits of the Mexican War resulted in adding an immense area of rich terri- 
tory to our public, domain, out of which new States have been carved and others 
are yet to be added, besides a mineral wealth that- has not only given great im- 
petus to, but has enlarged and diversified the industry and commerce of, the western 
continent. 

"'The war commenced in the spring of 1846, and our soldiers were disbanded in 
July, 1848. Thus, in about two years, our troops marched into an enemy's country 
of vast extent, lying more than a thousand miles from the centre of our population, 
containing eight millions of people, subdued them, and dictated their own terms of 
peace. 

"What did we gain by that war? The great State of Texas was involved. The 
Mexicans claimed all that vai>t territory. This peace enabled us to establish her 
present lines and sever her for ever from that domination. By the treaty of Guada- 
lupe Hidalgo of February 2, 1848, and the Gadsden purchase of December, 1853, 
Mexico ceded to the United States the territory now covered by the States of Cali- 
fornia, iSTevada, part of ISTebraska, also all claim to the territory covered by the 
State of Texas and by the Territories of Utan, Arizona and New Mexico, by por- 
tions of the Tejritories of Wyoming and Colorado, and by thennorganized territory 
lying west of the Indian Territory, embracing in all about 937,875 square miles. 
This vast area contained more territory than all the organized States of the Union 
did at the time of its acquisition. To form some estimate of its richness and fer- 
tility, its value and commercial importance, we have but to examine its statistics 
for the past few years. The entire population of the newly-acquired territory in 
1850 only numbered 406,657 inhabitants, and in 1870 had increased to 1,772,060 
persons. The total wealth in 1850 was $1,062,899; but in 1870 it had swelled to 
$965,622,071. But so rapidly have the population and wealth increased within the 
past few years that at least one-fifth may be added to these figures for the year since 
the taking of the census, which will give us over two million inhabitants and about 
$1,200,000,000 of wealth. And in all the industries of the country this acquired 



OF THE VETERANS OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 13 

section will bear a favorable comparison accorrtina: to population and wealth. In 
minino^ resources, iiowever, it outstrips all the balance of the Union together; it is 
literally the great oold-fielfl of America and of the world. Take, for example, the 
year 1860, and the total product of g^old and silv«'r in the United States amounted 
to $61,500,000, of whicli sum the followinjj amounts were produced, to wit: 

California „ $22,500,000 

Colorado and Wyoming 4,000,000 

Ari7A)na .' l,0OO,O0a 

New Mexico , 500.000 

Nevada 14,000,000 

Total 42,000,000 

"And if this should betaken for an average year since 1850, say for the past twen- 
ty-tive years, then we will have a yield of $1,050,000 000, or overdone billion dollars. 
This enormous sum has been sufficient of itself to give an impetus to the commerce 
of the whole continent, and has had its influence on the civilized world. But the 
mining resources of this section are believed to be inexhaustible. We have but just 
commenced, as it were, to dig the hidden wealth imbedded in this El Dorado of 
America. A receni discovery of a ho7ianza in the Silver miufs of Nevada is variously 
estimated bv mining engineers to be vvorih from $300,000,000 to a sum surpassing 
belief, stated as high as §1,500,000,000. 

''But this territory was not only valuable in itself on account of its intrinsic 
wealth and resources, but it became the great highway to the Pacific Ocean and the 
Orient for the older and more densely populated States of the Union. In this 
respect alone it would more than compensate for all the expenditures of the Mexi- 
can war. Who is capable of estimating the value and importance of this acquisi- 
tion, or by what method can it be estimated? If we undertake to fix a value upon 
it, we nuist do so by statistics of what it is now and what it was when acquired, 
comparing the one with the other in all the changes that have been wrought. But 
tills must fail to give any just idea of its greatness and value to the country. vV'e 
can form a better idea by asking the question, for what consideration would the 
General Government part with this 937,785 square miles, with its two millions of 
people and untold resources and connnanding position in the continent, holding in 
its arms the great gateway to the empires of the East? No money consideration 
could buy it at all; its value is beyond price; we could not do without it: we can see 
it in a bright and glorious futine of a dense population, containing all the true 
characteristics of wealth, retinement, and a high order of civilization. No war 
with a foreign country has produced such results in so short a time, and no troops 
acquitted themselves Mith more honor and made greater sacrifices during that 
period of their services. Having gained for the whole country that which for value 
cannot be estimated, and having reached a period when many of these veterans are 
in need, many of them in absolute want, and without the privilege of asylum in the 
home established by a fund in which every soklier who served in Mexico has an 
interest, the country should not refuse to reward such faithful and worthy patriots. 
These soldiers who entered service in 1846, twenty-nine years ago, must be over 
fifty years of age, and are too feeble to compete with younger men in physicial 
labor. The proceedings of the convention, and a report of the officers of the asso- 
ciation appointed by the convention to gather statistics in regard to the number of 
surviving veterans have been submitted to the committee, from which it appears 
that less than ten thousand are known to be alive. From the tesiiraon\' submitted 
the committee are of opinion that 10 per cent, of the whole number of officer,* 
soldiers, saih)rs, and marines engaged in the war from beginning to end will cover' 
in round numbers, the survivors. Of this number, a large-proportion are now on 
the pension-rolls for wounds received in Mexico and in later vtars. Several of the State 
Legislatures have passed resolutions requesting their Kepresentativesiti Congress to 
favor the passage of a law granting pensions to these old soldiers; and if the question 
was left to the decision of the peo[)le by a popular vote, in view of all the facts, the 
pension would undoubtedly be allowed by an overwhelming majority. 

•"These soldiers have fought those battles and acciuired that territory, and, with- 
out regard to past or prt'sent political views, shoidd be recognized by the Govern- 
ment. Such an act would bring about a reconciliation between the two sections of 
our country more happily than any other act upon the part of the Government." 



Hoping your honorable body will give our humbk t>etition such consideration as 



14 PROCEEDINGS OF NATIONAIi ASSOCIATION 

it deserves, and at an early date, we subscribe ourselves, by authority of the Kationai,, 
Association, 't 

J. W. DI3NVEB, Fresident, I 
Al^EX'B. M. KENAPAY, First Secretary, I 



BILLS INTRODUCED IN CONGRESS. 

As an evidence of the popularity of our appeal to the generosity of Congress, it is 
a noteworthy fact that witiMn a few days after the assembling of Congress, bills 
covering our prayer were presented in the Senate by Senators Merriman, of North 
Carolina; Ingalls, of Kansas; and Voorhees, of Indiana. In the House, by Messrs. 
Scales, of North Carolina, Felton, of Georgia; Hewitt, of Alabama; Thomas 
Turner, of Kentucky; Durnam, of Kentucky; VVhitthorne, of Tennessee; Riddle of 
Tennessee; Sparks, Illinois; Fort, ot Illinois; Cunter, of Arkansas; Throckmoiton, 
of Texas; and Luttrell, of California. All these bills were referred to the Pension 
Committees of the respective houses, and assigned by the chairman to sub- 
committees for investigation. In the House Committee, Hon. Goldsmith W. 
Hewitt, of Alabama, had special charge of our case, who made an elaborate report, 
covering twelve octavo pages, reciting clearly the facts of the case, and discussing 
with great acumen the points of law involved, sustaining his arguments with 
recognized autiiorities. 

In the Senate our case will be championed when it comes there from the House 
by Hon. Daniel W. Voorhees, of Indiana, who is giving the subject special 
consideration, and his speech may be looked for with great interest. Hon. S. B. 
JVlaxey, of Texas, it is expected, will also advocate our cause, and others. 

A PARTING SHOT FROM THE PENSION OFFICE. 

On the 1st of November last, Senator Ingalls, as Chairman of the Senate 
Committee of Pensions, referred to the Commissioner of Poisions a copy of our 
last proceedings, and enquired if he still adhered to the estimate of the number of 
survivors furnished by his office to the Senate Committee, 21st of February, 1877, 
(Which he would find printed in our report on page 28,) in view of the criticisms 
on said report embodied in pages 29 and 30 of the pamphlet. In reply, the 
Commissioner transmitted Miscellaneous Document No. 13, dated November 23, 
1877. The letter occupies too much space to include ic in our proceedings, but a 
review of the document was made by me before the local a,ssociation of VVashing- 
ton, December 1, 1877, (soon after it was made public.) which takes up the main 
points raised by the Commissioner, and which was reported at the time by the 
press of Washington, as follows: 

'•The Secretary, Mr. A. M. Kenaday, read the Commissioner's letter to the 
meeting and reviewed the matter substantially as follows: 

''The Commissioner admits in his reply that, "in the nature of tilings, no 
estimate of tlie number of these survivors can be absolute certainty;" but in. 
vindication of his approximate estimate submitted last February, he now quotes 
from the Carlisle tables, published years ago in a British encyclopedia, and regarded 
as a standard autliority by life assurance actuaries, a calculation pretending to 
show that out of 100.000 birtiis 58,360 live to the age of twenty-six years, (the 
average age of Mexican war soldiers when enlisted,) and 40,000 of the above 
number attain to fifty-six years of age, (the present average of the survivors of 
Mexico.) The 100, 000 people contemplated by these tables are presumed to live 
in the serenity of peaceful life in the healthy climate of old England, but the 
Commissioner does not say so. He prefers to deduce from these tables that out of 
66,087 men (the number given by iiim as a basis for pension estimate) who escaped 
death and returned to their homes from the Mexican v/ar thirty years ago there are 
yet living 45,601 — nearly three-fourths of the entire number discharged. 

"Athough it is admitted in the Commissioner's letter that 11,467 men died in 
Mexico during the two years of the war from natural causes, other than the killed 
and wounded, he entirely overlooks the probability that large numbers of the 
disbanded men brought home with them the seed of the malarial diseases which 
proved so fatal in Mexico and ultimately destroyed them here. 

"Another very important factor in the account is disposed of by the Commissioner 
in a summary manner. He says: "I have no means of determining how many 
survivors of the Mexican war served in tiie two contending armies during the 
rebellion, nor how many were killed while so Berviug, or have died on account oS 



OF THE VETERANS OP THE MEXICAN WAR. 16 

that service; and I therefore make no attempt to estimate that element of the 
case." It is a notorious fact, nevertheless, ihat nearly all the survivors of Mexico 
participated in the late civil war, and the most distint^uished leaders on either side 
of the conflict acquired their skill and practical knowledge of warfare in Mexico. 
Large numbers of them are now pensioners and inmates of the various military 
asylums for disabilities incurred in the late war, and who are also members of the 
National Association and unselfishly clamorous for a pension to their comrades. 

"But the Commissioner need not refer to English mortality statistics to make an 
approximate estimate of survivors; for the rt cords of his own office afford far more 
practicable data, if properly computed. For instance, during the war of 1812-15 
tht're were 5*27,Go4 enlisted men, according to his own published reports. The 
pension law of 1871-say lifty-six years after the war— was the potent means of 
discovering 28,54S survivors, (including the widows of deceased soldiers,) being a 
little short of 5J per cent, of the aggregate enrolled. Now, let tlie Commissioner 
double, treble, or even quadruple that percentage, if he thinks proper, in order to 
make up for the difference of time in the two cases, and apply it to the nnmber of 
Mexican veterans, which he sets down as a basis for pension estimate, (66,087,) and 
his approximation thus arrived at will at least come within the bounds of common 
underKtautling. 

"Rut the truth is, as the honorable commissioner frankly states, "no estimate can 
be made with absolute certainty;" least of all, he might add, by the insurance 
tables as applied to soldiers. The most rational approximation perha^js can be 
arrived at by the practical method of reckoning adopted by tlie National Associa- 
tion, whereby the average number of survivors found belonging to forty 
regiment? — 400 companies — proved to be 8 5 to each company. The wliole number 
of companies in the war being 1,033, by this ratio gives a total of 8,780, as more 
clearly shown in the petition submitted to the House, and printed in the 
Congressional Record of November 3. 

"I'he CoMjmissiouer remarks tliat the soldiers of the Mexican War were all 
"examined at enlistment,'" and those physically unsound were rejected. This 
statement is not accurate so far as the volunteers were concerned. They were 
mustered in by their respective States, without regard to age or physical qualifica- 
tions required in the rcirular service. 

"The estimate of last February was a marvelous production, and on account of its 
official character wrought much trouble aud anxiety among the veteraiis, until it 
was brought before the light of day for examination, when it collapsed like a 
soap-bubble. The ]>resent calculation is a more plausible contrivance to reach the 
same result by a dilterent method. But it lacks consistency when intelligently 
analyzed. It is admirably prepared to "'confound the ignorant and amaze the 
wise," but is not likely to avail much in connection with the egregious blunders of 
the previous estimate from the same source. 

'•What puzzles che average mind is how to reconcile the discrepancy in the 
Commi.<.>^ioner's statement, that out of 100,000 births, 40,000 live 56 years; while 
out of 66.087 discharged Mexican veteran.s worn out with hardship and exposure 
in a malarious climate, 45,601 reach the age of 56 years. Like Dundreary's pun, 
this is -'one of those thint;s that no fellow can find out." 

The information is furnished for the Senate of the United States; but, 
fortunately for the old soldiers, the members of that body know well enough that 
while the Carlisle tables may be perhaps useful in studying the vital economy of 
nature, or in calculating the gradual mortality of vast populations, they Will 
utterly fail when applied to small communities or families. What Mexican veteran 
will believe that three out of four of his comrades discharged thirty years ago are 
still living? None but a fossilized '"figure maniac" will contend that a given 
hundred or a given tliousand of men will live through a lifetime in accordance 
with these rules of geometrical progression, especially when applied to those 
elements of population making up the armies of a nation. Mathematics may be 
infallible in reckoning interest on- money or in measuring the distances of planets, 
but the duration of human life in indivdual cases is beyond any method of 
computation. 

"Otlier members expressed their views, and one old veteran compared the 
Pension-Office to Chepultepec— out of every port-hole or window hung a placard: 
"Soldiers of '46 need not apply," He favored raising the siege and organizing a 
storming party to clean out the concern from cellar to roof." 

THE THREE MONTHS' EXTRA PAY LAW OF 1848. 

The Act of July 19, 1848, granting three months' extra pay to the ofl3cers and 
Boldiers of the Mexican war who were honorably discharged, (or first to the widow8» 



16 PROCEEDINGS OF NATIONAIi ASSOCIATION 

second to the children, third to the parents, fourth to the brothers and sisters,) 
provided the officer or soldier was in actual service durino^ the war, has again 
passed the House of Representatives, and in the Senate Military Committee it was 
so amended as to include also the officers, petty officers, sailors and marines who 
served in the Mexican war. It is confidently expected this bill will pass during 
this Congress. The repeal of this law in 1870 was a gross injustice to the men 
who had never received this pittance. It should, liowever, be borne in mind that 
those volunteers and "during the war" regulars who were discharged in August^ 
1848, a/ic? subsequently were paid off at time of discharge by the Pay Department 
of the Army, aad it would be useless for such to make an application again. The 
fee in such cases is so small that it will hardly justify an atroruey in preparing a 
case (not exceeding 10 per cent, on amount collected,) but if the taw is revived the 
Secretary will supply blanks and instructions to an> member applying for them, 
provided that, in his judgment the case as stated by the applicant appears to have 
a reasonable chance of success — otherwise he wdl not encourage applicants to 
incur expense in a fruitless cause, where the amount involved cannot exceed $24 
for dragoons and $21 for artillery and infantry. 

Respectfully submitted 

A. M. KEXADAY, Secretary. 

[Note. — On the 18th of April, Senator Maxey, of Texas, called up this bill for 
consideration, and in explaining the Senate Coujmittee's amendi^jent, including 
the officers, seam<n and marines belonging to the Gulf Squadron, paid a handsome 
tribute to the ''boys in blue ' (It will be remembered that the Senator himself 
served through the Mexican war as second Lieutenant of the 7th United States 
Infantry, commanding his company at Contreras and Cherubusco, and received a 
brevet for gallant conduct.) He said: 

■••I think the most gallant thing I ever saw anywhere was the movement of 
Commodore Tatnall against the castle of San Juan de Uiloa, just preceding the 
siege of Vera Cruz. Those who were engaged in it certainly distinguished them- 
selves for their courage in that movement." 

He also referred to the exclusion under the old law of the officers and soldiers of 
the regular establishment, and contended they were equitably entitled to the three 
months' pay likewise. 

Senator Edmunds, of Vermont, however, thought it would be unwise to re-enact 
this law without a full report ifom the Secretary of War, saying the act was 
evidently intended to apply to volunteers and not to men who enlist in the regular 
service and "make war their regular business." 

The single objection of the Vermont Senator carried the bill over, and it was 
found impossible to call it up again during the session. Vermont, it will be 
remembeied, vigorously opposed the Mexican war during its continuance, and her 
Senators and Representatives of to-day apt)ear to be still obeying tlie instructions 
of her Legislature of that eventfid period. "Consistency is a jewel !" 



FURTHER PROCEEDINGS. 

Mr. W. L. Tidball arose and submitted a long report as coming from the 
committee appointed in February, 1875, three years ago, to revise the Constitution 
and By-Laws of the Association. 

The report was read to the meeting. It proposed to transform the National 
Association into a body of deleiiates, allowing to each city or State organization 
one delegate for each ten members in good standing in such organization, and 
virtually depriving those now eni-olled as members on their written application and 
who live too remote from towns and cities to join local organizations, of any i-ights 
as members unless duly elected as delegates. 'It also proposed to make any 
delegate, accredited by a local association and accepted as a delegate, a member of 
the National Association — [whether he was a survivor of the Mexican war, 
honorably discharged or not?] This provision was shrewdly designed to cover his 
own case, as Mr. Tidball, if he ever served in the Mexican war at all, has studiously 
avoided complying with the Constitution, in applying for membership in the 
i^ational Association which involves a statement of his military record. His 
presence heretofore has simply been tolerated in the meetings out of respect to the 
body who gave him written credentials under an erroneous impression that the 
Association was a representative body. 

A series of by-laws provided that the Treasurer shall safely keep all funds of tho 
Association, pay them out by order of the Association, render a true and accurate 



OF THE VETERANS OF THE MEXICAI^ WAR. 17 

account thereof annually, or oftener, at the will of the Association; give bonds for 
the fjiithfiil performance of iiis duty, and turn over all balances, book?, and 
vouchers in his possession to his successor. There was notiHn<^ said, however, in 
. this wise production of an astute ''lawj^er" about how the money was to be raised 
to maintain tlie oro^anization. 

The Secretary was to keep a faithful record of all proceedings in a book for that 
purpose; tile all letters and communications received, account for all uionej^s 
received and expended by liitn, and it was proposed that he sliould turn over to his 
successor u\ otlice all moneys, books files, and other papers in his possession. His 
books, letters, rolls, and tiles of all papers in the ottice or hands of ihe Secretary 
67ia// 6e the property of the Association, and shall be open to the inspection, and 
for the information, of every veteran of the Mexican war who belongs to any State 
or other organization.'" 

Tills appears like a direct proposition to rob the Secretary of his private 
memoranda, derived from a study of the history of the seveial regiments &c., 
.-erving in the Mexican war, by which he expect? to make himself useful to such of 
his eoniiades as may see proper to engage his services in presenting their claiujs, in 
tlie event of the bill becoming a law. The Secretary has, of course, always 
intended to give everything properly belonging to the Association to his successor; 
but he would never consent to yield his private propeity to an outsider, a claim 
agent, who is incapable of properly preparing a case without robbii.g the Secretary 
or some other person of the fruits of his industry. There is nothing in the constitu- 
tion of the National Association, nor z^jas i^Aere any law to prevent the Secretary 
from ]»reparii)g, as he did before this tiling was introduced, a correct history of 
every meuiber, derived from his own written statement and the Secretary's careful 
study of tin- suhject. He had })roper authority for making this memoranda for the 
purpose indicated, and the National Association never contemplated in its by laws 
that the Secretary should compile statistics, study laws and regulations for the 
benefit of claim agents "who belong to other organizations'^ The proposition of 
Mr Tidball made no provision for compensating the Secretary for his labor, nor 
even providing an office as a shelter for the books and papers to be kept open for 
public inspection. 

A committee of finance was to be appointed annually to andit the books of the 
Secretary and Treasurer, but no power was vested in them or any person to provide 
means for carryii.g on the business of the Association. 

Mr Titib ill tailed to state that ever since and prior to the time the committee 
was app(»inted to revi.-e the Constitution, he had been incessantly working to 
undtrinine and break down the National Associaton ; that he had on a regular 
'•rule or ruin" plan endeavored to withdraw the members from New Yoik and 
New Jersey from the body at Philadelphia and tried to oreanize an antagonistic 
lx)dy ai Baltimore in February, 1877, but that failing to obtain a corporals guard 
of adherents, and not having the means to 'Miire a hall," for his purposes, 
concluded to come over to the regular meeting in Washington andfireotfhis spleen 
"from intiMior lines." His object, however, was transparent to altnost every 
member pi«'>tMit. The only question that exercised the members in attendance 
was how to tide over the difficulty without an appearance to the public of discord — 
which mii^ht prejudice the cause that everybody in the meeting had at heart, 
except Tidball and his small gang of followers, who are not members of the 
National Association. 

V\ ithout entering into a discussion of these facts, which would have been playing 
into the hands of the <!isturbers, and probably resulted in turbulent proceedings, a 
"question of consideration" was rais^^d. The point was made by Comrade Montis 
that no alteration or amendment to the Constitution could be made, until after due 
notice to the Association of the proposed alteration or amendment, under Article 
VII. 
To avoid discussion, a motion for a recess of one hour was made and carried. 
After the recess the President decided that the point raised by Comrade Montis 
was well taken, and the proposed amendments would have to go over to the next 
meeting. 

An appeal was taken, and on a division the chair was sustained by a vote of 74 
to 12. More than one of those who voted with the minority stated afterwards that 
they would have voted against the adoption of the report I* 



♦Following is the text of Mr. Tidball's proposition: 

The committee appointed at a previous meeiingto reTige the constitDlion and by-laws of this 
association, respectfully recommend that the Ctmetitution be amended to as to read as follows: 



18 PROCEEDINGS OF NATIONAL ASSOCIATION 

This overwhelming defeat of the malcontents staggered them somewhat, but the 
irrepressible Tidball rallied once more with a long-winded but somewhat incoher- 
ent series of resolutions, providing that the fee for collecting a pension shall be ten. 
dollars, apparently ignorant of the fact that the Congress of the United States and 
the Commissioner of Pensions regulated that matter. The second, disposed of one^ 
half of the fee collected by the attorney for his services, as a monumental fund. The 
third, appointed one or more persons in each State and Territory to act as attorneys 
for individual members (the individual not having any discretion in this matter af- 
fecting his own interests ) The fourth, provided that the person selected by the 
Association to ' 'collect the fee from the pensioner" should pay one half of the same to 
the treasurer in each State, showing this professed lawyer's utter ignorance of the 
pension laws of the United States, which provided, at the time he ottered his reso- 
lutions, that the Pension OiBce should deduct the fee from the pensioner's first 
payment, and transmit the same to the attorney of record, after deducting his com- 
missions provided by law. The fifth provided that the treasurer in each State "shall 
receive and safely keep all moneys received from the pension agents of this Associa- 
tion, and shall give sufficient bonds when so required." The sixth and seventh 
provided that one-half of the money earned by claim agents should be expended in 
building monuments to the memory of those who fell in Mex ico. 

CONSTITUTION. 

[Articles I, II, and III are the same as printed on page 2.] 

Art. IV. The officers of the Association shall be a president, two vice-presidents, a treasurer.a 
secretary, and a marshal; nnd also one vice-president, one assistant treasurer, and one assistant 
secretary from each State, territory, the army, the navy, and the District of Columbia, and such 
other oflScers as may be provided by the by-laws. 

Art. V The president, vice-president, treasurer, secretary, and marshal shall be chosen annu- 
ally by ballot, by a majority of the members present at the annual meeting of the Association, 
and shall continue in office until the next annual meeting, and until their sitcessors shall be 
elected. 

Akt. YI. The additional vice-presidents and the assistant treasurers and secretaries shall be 
selected at the annual meeting of the Association, by the respective delegations of the State and 
Other organizations they are chosen to represent; and in case any State or other organizaiion shall 
not be represented at any such meeting, the officers of the preceding year shall be re appointed. 

Art. VII All members in good standing in State and other organizations, shall be entitled to 
represent their respective organizations in this Association as delegates, and shall become mem- 
bers of the National Association when duly accredited and accepted as such delegates; and each 
of such organizations shall be entitled to one delegate for every ten members in good standing in 
such organizations. 

Abt. VIII. No alteration or amendment shall be made to this Constitution, unless the same 
shall have been proposed in writing by three members at an annual meeting, and sustained by a 
vote of two-thirds of the members present, after due notice to the Association of the proposed 
alterations or amendments. 

A.nd the committee further recommend that the by-laws be amended so as to read as follows: 

BY-LAWS. 

1. The duties of the officers of this Association shall be such as usually devolve upon officers 
of similar associations. 

2 The president shall preside at all meetings of the Association, when present, and in his 
absence the vice-president shall preside, and in the absence of both these officers such other vice- 
president shall preside as may be selected by the Association. 

3 The treasurer shall keep safely all funds of the Association, pay them out by order of the 
Association, render a true and accitrate account thereof annually, or oftener at the will of the 
Association, give bonds for the faithful performance of his duties when required by the Associa- 
tion, and turn over all balances, books and vouchers in his possession to his successor in office. 

4. The secretary shall keep a faithful and correct record of all the proceedings of the Associa- 
tion, in a book for that purpose, file all letters and commtmications received on behalf of the 
Association, account for all moneys received and expended by him for or on behalf of the Associa- 
tion, and turn over to his successor in office all moneys, books, files, and other papers in his 
possession. 

5. The books, letters, rolls, and files of all papers in the office or hands of the secretary, shall 
be the property of the Association, and shall be open to the int-pection and for the information of 
every veteran of the Mexican war, who belongs to any State or other organization. 

6 The additional vice-presidents shall be the principal representatives of the National Asso- 
tion in the State and other organizations to which they respectively belong, and shall have gen- 
eral supervision of all matters pertaining to the welfare of the National Association. 

7. The assistant treasurers shall receive all funds created and collected for the use and benefit 
of the National Association, by the organization to which they respectively belong, and hold 
them subject to the order of the National Association; and shall give sufficent bonds when so 
required, 

8. The assistant secretaries shall assist the secretary in the discharge of his official duties, and 
shall perform such other labors as may be required by or on behalf of the State or other organi- 
zations which they respectively represent. 

9. There shall be a committee of finance, consisting of three members, who shall be appointed 
annually by the president, to audit the accounts of the treasurer and secretary, and to perform 
such other duties as may be assigned to them by the Association. 

10. The business of the Association shall be conducted iu accordance with the usages of legis- 
tive bodies in this country. 

11. These by-laws may be altered or amended at any annual meeting of the Associatioii by a 
•yote of two thirds of the members present at such meeting:. 

^1| of which is reipectfujly submitted, 



OF THE VETERANS OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 19 

The whole series showed plainly that their author was blinded by passion, ignor- 
ant of the laws of the United States in such cases, and thathis judgment— if he ever 
had any — was utterly paralyzed. At the meeting in Philadelphia the subject of 
erecting monuments was disposed of by aa intelligent committee appointed »^xpressly 
to consider tlie question, whose report was adopted and published as follows: 

"That the subject is one of national character, and that the expense of erecthig such monu- 
ments should beat the cost of the United Statei Government. Thai a special committee be 
appointed to devise a suitable plan and design, whicli is to be submitted through the President, 
to lUe several Slate organizations lor their approval, and if such plan is accepted, concerted 
action be taken to bring ihe matter to the attention of Congress." 

It was not considered good judgment to enter into a discussion on a subject that 
had been settled as above by the Association, and amotion was promptly carried to 
refer all reS()luiion-i to a committee for report. 

[Note.— The reason ottered by thesecretary for not reporting Mr. W. L. Tidball's 
resolutions in exteuso are: tliat said Tidball has nostutm in the National Associauon 
wliich tiie secretary feels bound to respect, ami liw (Tidbail) wears a badge which 
is a count'-rfeit of tiie uisigiiia adopted by the National Association. A correct 
synopsis of his propositions i-;, however, reported as a part of tlie liistory of the 
meeting, because no formal protest has hitiierto been made against tiim, or any 
per.son professing frie. idly interest in the cau.se, who desired to attend and partici- 
pate in tlie annual n-unions. Mr. Tidball has presumed on this liberty for several 
years since he conunenced plotting for the overthrow of the association, and has 
by his conduct endeavored to spoil tlie haimony and good feeling wnicli everv re- 
spectable member desires to see prevail at our annual gatherings. On the evening 
prior tt» the last meeting the otticers and many members of the Baltimore association, 
v\ith the most lau lable intentions, calleil upon the secretary and expressed a desire 
to restore amicable relations between ail parties, to which proposition tlie secretary 
responded that he would, if they desired it, accompany them in their 
visit to I'ldbail, and cheerfully humble himself, if they chou^lit it unecessary, in 
any way becoming a man, for tlie sake of harmony in the meetings; but his burly 
adver.-ary, it subsequently transpired, preferred non intercourse, feeling coutidcnt 
of carrying out liis plan of action a.;aiast the secretary when Che association met.—' 

A. M. K.] 

Capt. James F. Milligan offered the following resolution, which, with others, was 
referred to the Committee on Resolutions, and subsequently adopted, to wit: 

PERPETUATING THE ORGANIZATION, &C. 

Resolved, That a committee of one member from each State and territory be ap- 
poi.ited by theCliair to arrange, perfect, and bring into practical operation tlie best 
and most appropriate mode oi perpetuating the history of the Mexican war and the 
National Veteran Association. 

The President appointed the following members of the Nationul Association on 
said committee : 

Arkanaai — Albert Pike, chairman. Alabama — II. Ray Myers. California^ A. M. 
Keaaday. Colorado— 'S. N. Hayt. Connecticut— Ltv^ VVoodhouse Delaware — 
George Hoilges. Florida — [ra. S. Rouse. G^eor^i'a— George S. Fisher. Illinds — 
K.S Goodell. 7nt//a/ia— Edward Lauder. loio <- — Robert F. Bower. Kanms—R. 

B. Mitchell Kentacki/ — F. M. Schell. Loaisiana—G Masou Graham. Maine — 
F. B. iiady- Maryland— Gun. W. II. Emory, U S. A. Massachusetts— E A. 
Paul. Mickiga'i — A. b. vV illiams, M. C. Minnesota— C DeMontreville. Missis- 
.sippi-J. B. Ueason. Missouri — Douglas Dale. K braska — Amasa Cobb. Nevada 
— \\\ Franiv Stewart. Neiv tlamoHliire — Gt^orge B >wers. New Jersey — Cliai'les 
Bowers. New l^jr/c— Waid B. Burnett. North Carolina— K Smitti. Ohio — 
T. Ij. Young Orc'/on — James Tilton. Pennsylvania— f . H. Allabach. Rhode 
/iilnud—SA>oii Viali. South Carolina— yi. L. Bonluim. Tennessee— HniiaFtiy ton. 
Texas— ^. B. Maxev, U. S. S. Vermont— C L. Whitman. Virginia— J, F. 
.Mdligan. We^it Virginia— G. A. Portertield. Wisconsin— 'S>. VV. Eastman. 
Arizona— W. 11. Tonge. Dakota— Ciias. T. Campbell. Idaho— G. VV. Paul. 
Montana — Hiram Root. New Mexico — J. H. Stewart. Utah — Samuel E. Lawyer. 
Washington— John VVhitebread. Wyoming— E. L.Green, District of Columbia — 
T. T. Crittenden. Indian Territory— Douglas L. Cooper. 

WORK FOR UNEfilPLOYED VETERANS. 

Captain J. F. Milligan also submitted the following: 

R^oliped^ That the President of the United States, ^s a matter of justice to tl^ 



20 PKOCEEDINGB OF NATIONAIi ASSOCIATION 

surviving veterans of the Mexican war, seeking: to eke out their earthly existence 
by their labor, be earnestly requested by the National Association here assembled, 
to issue an order to the various Departments of tlie Government having; supervision 
of arsenals, founderies, navy yards, and other branches of tl»e public service, to give 
employment to the surviving veterans, and secure for them preference over laborers 
selected for party purposes, merely, — character and efficiency to be considered in 
all cases. 

Resolved, That the Secretary be directed to send a copy of this resolution to his 
Excellency, the President of the United States. 

THANKS TO HON. G. V^. HEWITT, OF ALABAMA. 

Comrade J. Mollere submitted the following : 

Resolved^ That the thanks of this Association are hereby tendered to Hon. Gold- 
smith vv. Hewitt, of Alabama, to whom our petition was assigned for investigation 
by the House Committee of Pensions, for the very able report now on the calendar 
of the House of Bepresentatives, in favor of granting pensions to the survivors of 
the Mexican war. 

THANKS TO THE MARYLAND ASSOCIATION. 

Captain W. B Parisen submitted the following : 

Resolved^ That the thanks of the members from the several States and Territories 
here assembled, are hereby gratefully tendered to the Maryland Association and 
the citizens of Baltimore, for the beautiful Assembly Hall so tastefully furnished 
and decorated for our accommodation, and the generous hospitality and courtesy 
extended to all who have participated in our proceedings. 

DELEGATION OF MEMBERS TO VISIT WASHINGTON. 

On motion, of Gen E. R. Biles, it was 

Resolved, That the President select a delegation of the members to proceed to the 
city of VVashin:;ton after adjournment, citizens of the several States and Territories, 
and Sfjliclt from the Representatives and Senators of their respective States speedy 
action upoi\ the bill reported by the Pension Committee of the House. 

[The committee was subsequently made up and met on Tuesday, February 26th, 
at General Denver's office in Washington, and all present proceeded to the Capitol, 
where pleasant interviews were had with a number of Senators. Tt was thought 
prudent, however, as the bill was reported by the Pension Conmiitleeof the House, 
to not make any formal call on the Representatives, but patiently wait for their 
verdict. The committee consisted of — 

General J. W. Denver, chairman. United States army — General William H. 
Emory, Colonel Alexander Montgomery. United States navy— Rear-Admiral F. 
Stanly, Dr. William Maxwell Wood, Sursjeon-General (retired) Arkansas — 
General Albert Pike. Alabama — Colonel H. V. Hebb, Colonel H. Ray Myers. 
California — General J. A. Sutter, M. Snerman, A- M. Kenaday (secretary). Colo- 
rado — Colonel A. C. Boone, Captain S. N. Hoyt. Connecticut — Levi Woodhouse, 
esq., Captain Nelson Taylor.. District of Columbia — General T. T. Crittenden, S. 
V. Niles, esq. Delaware — George Hodges, J. W. C. Luke. Florida— General B. 
D. Fry, Ira S. Rouse esq. Georgia — Colonel George S. Fisher. General W. S. 
Walker. Illinois— General John A. Logan, R. E. Goodell, esq. Indiana — General 
John Love, General H. S. Lane. Iowa — General Jo.«iah Given, General J. W. 
Griffiths Kansas— General R. B. Mitchell, Major I. E. Eaton Kentucky- 
Captain E. M. Stone, F. M. Schell. Louisiana — General G Mason Graham, J. 
Mollere. Maine — Phineas M. Jefiards, Samuel Cone. Maryland — Colonel J. H. 
Ruddach, Marshal J. T. Gray, J. R. Gould, esq. Massachusetts — Colonel E. A. 
Paul, Major H. A. McGlenan. Michigan — General A. S. Williams, D. McConnell. 
Minnesota— Dr. C DeMontreville, A. R French. Mississippi — Judge J. B. Dea- 
son, W. T. Cole. Missouri— General T. J. Bartholow, D. Dale, esq. Nebraska — 
Hon. Amasa Cobb, David Boyd. Nevada— Colonel W. W. McCoy, Hon. B. F. 
Stewart, Josiah Horn. New Hampshire — General T. P. Pierce, Colonel T. Y. 
Field. New Jersey— C. F. Bowers, J. E. Nuttmann, F. D. Clark. New York- 
General W. B Burnett, Captain W. B. Parisen, Captain J. H. Merrimon, William 
CoUigan, esq. North Carolina — O. R. Smith, Colonel E. Cantwell. Ohio— M. D. 
Montis, Captain McCann. Oregon— General J. Tilton. Pennsylvania — General 
W. W H. Davis, General William Brindle, General E. R. Biles, Colonel R. Klotz. 
South Carolina — General M. L. Bonham, General R. G. M. Dunovant, Colonel W, 



OF THE VETERANS OP THE MEXICAN WAR. 21 

6. Stanley. Tennessee — General Balie Peyton, B. F. Harrison. Texas— General 
D. S. Ford, Colonel L, Fitzhugh, General G. H. Giddings. Virginia— Major P. D. 
Sutton, Captain J. F. Milligan West Virginia— Dr. J. H. Hunter, M. L. Dome, 
esq. Wisconsin — A. A. Mereditii, Louis Nettati, esq. Wyoming — Colonel E. M. 
Greene. Utali — J. H. C. Kipp, esq. Idaho — Jolin Siers, esq. Rhode Island — 
General Nelson Viall. Vermont— C. L Wliitman, H. H. Orossraan, Charles 
Blanchard. Washington Territory — Robert Wallace. 

ELECTION OF OFFICERS OF THE NATIONAL. ASSOCIATION. 

On motion of M. D. Montis, Esq., the rules were suspended and the association 
proceeded to the election of officers for the ensuing year. 

L.J. Boeler, E>q., moved that Gen. J. W. Denver be re-elected president by 
acclamation, which was carried with enthusiastic applause. [Gen. Denver acknowl- 
edged the compliment in ap|)ropriate remarks] 

M. D. Montis nominated Gen. John Love, of Indiana, for 1st vice-president. Col. 
Robt. Klotz seconded the nomination, and quoted the homely proverb that 'Mt is 
bad policy to swap horses while crossing a stream." Gen. Love was elected !>y 
acclamation, as were also all the old officers, whose names will he found published 
on page 3 in the list. 

VICE-PRESIDENTS AND COUNCIL OF ADMINISTRATION. 

The president remarked that it had been the custom heretofore for members re- 
siding in the several States who were in attendance at the annual meeting to select 
the representatives of the National Association for their respective localities, and 
unless a change was thus suggested, the old vice-presidents, &c., would be consid- 
ered as re-elected. He therefore invited nominations to be sent to the secretary's 
desk. [ riie list of V. P. and C. of A., as hantled to the secretary, will be found re- 
ported on page 3, excepting two or tin-ce names of parties who have not yet prop- 
erly identllied themselves with the association, and are consequently not qualified 
to supersede regular members in these honorary positions.] 

THANKS TO THE OFFICERS. 

Gen. T. J. Bartholow, of St. Louis, Mo., offered the following, which passed by 
acclamation: 

Eesotvedj That tho thanks of tho association are eminently due, and are hereby 
imanimously tendered to the officers thereof, for past services, which are fully ap- 
preciated, and which has just been recoginzed by their unanimous re-election. 

THE NEXT ANNUAL MEETING— BALTIMORE SELECTED AGAIN FOR FEB. 22, 1879. 

Capt. Milligan, moved that Norfolk, Va., be selected as the next place of meeting 
of the National Association. 

The proposal met with considerable favor, but the members generally felt so well 
pleased with their reception in Baltimore, that an invitation extended by several of 
of the officers of the Maryland association to repeat their visit was unanimously 
accepted. 

ORATOR OF THE DAY. 

The president appointed Col. Joseph H. Ruddach, D G. Murray, Esq., of Balti- 
more, and Secretary Kenaday, a committee to select the orator of the day for next 
meeting. 

On motion, the meeting took a recess till 8 o'clock p. m. 



EVENING SESSION, 

At the hour appointed, the vast hall was filled with a brilliant audience of ladieS 
and gentltunen, wiio had been invit«^d by the Ci>mmitteeof Arrangements, to hear 
the oi-ator of tiie day. Gen. VV. W. H Davis, of Doylestown, Pa., who had kindly 
consented, on very short notice, to address tli;Mn. The decorations of the hall 
looked even more beautiful by gaslight, being now blen led with the elegant a<)parel 
and bright eyes of lovely women, and the whole enlivened by martial strains from 



22 PROCEEDINGS OF NATIONAIi ASSOCIATION 

the Fort "McHenry band, consisting of twenty-one pieces, under the able leadership 
of Prof. Ferrari. ' The association are indebted to Maj. Gen. Wm. Barry, command- 
ino- at Fort McHenry, who detailed this excellent band for the entertainment of his 
old companions-in-arms and their guests on this occasion. The seats on the rostruQi 
were occupied by president Denver, vice-president Love, treasurer Niles. Marshal 
Biles, Gen. Graham, Gen. Emory, Ca.pt- John A. Sutter, Gpvernor Bonham, Col. 
Stanley, Col. Kobt. Klotz, the Orator (Gen. Davis), and others. 

The secretary read letters from the Hon. Wra. M. Evarts, Secretary of State, and 
Hon. Charles Devens, Attorney General, returning thanks for invitations received, 
but expressing regrets for their inability to be present. 

President Denver then introduced to the audience comrade W. W. H. Davis, 
Captain in the Massachusetts volunteers in Mexico, and Division commander of 
Pennsylvania volunteers io late M'ar, as the orator of the occasion. 

Gen. Davis bowed his acknowledgment to the enthusiastic greeting of his audi- 
ence. His voice was musical, and his enunciation very clear and distinct. He 
spoke without notes. His subject was 

"THE HALLS OF THE MONTEZUMAS." 

After a few words (■>f preliminary i-emarks. General Davis commenced by say- 
ing that "the history of the Montezumas reads like a tale of the Arabian Nights. 
while, to the average reader, Mexico, at the present day, is almost a fnbled- 
land."" He then described the physical formation of the country— said it is 
divided into three great benches or plateaus; has all the climates of the world 
upon the sam<' parallel, with the production of nearly every zone upon the same 
hill-side In this connection he mentioned a fact not generally known — that 
there is no twilight upon the elevated table land, and it is dark almost as soon 
as the sun has gone down. While the country of the Montezumas occupied 
only a small portion of the present Mexico, it was so situated that it had eveiy 
variety of climate, soil, and production. The orator now briefly noticed tlie 
races, that in turn, settled in Mexico — all migrating from the unknown re- 
gions of the distant north, beginning with the Toltecs, which lie denominated 
^'the true fountain of Aztec civilization." The Aztecs built their capital on 
some sands in lake Tezcuco, the site of the present city of Mexico. He then 
passed to the political, religious, and social institutions of the Aztecs, who 
had become a consolidated people, under the tirst Montezuma, about the mid- 
dle of the fifteenth century. The government was an elective monarchy; it 
had its well defined laws and judges independent of the crown. Intemperance 
was a crime against society, and the defaulter was reduced to slavei-y; they 
had one Supreme Being and several inferior deities, and the dead passed im- 
mediately into the presence of the sun. The Aztecs had an organized priest- 
hood, which had charge of both religion and education. They had schools and 
colleges, and their knowledge of astronomy was astonishing. They paid great 
attention to agriculture, and were skilled in the mechanic arts, and worked in 
feathers, gold, and other metals, and in precious stones. Their political system 
was stern and severe, and the profession of arms was the chief aim of their in- 
stitutions. They were strict in parental discipline, and the women joined the 
men in all social festivities and entertainments. 

The orator now introduced Hernando Cortes, the renowned conquerer of 
Mexico, upon the scene. Landing upon the coast north of Vera Cruz, he marched 
for the conquest of this powerful people, with a small band of 400 Spaniards 
and a few hundred Indian allies. The various stages of this hazardous march were 
pictured. It was told how he climbed the rugged mountains to the broad table- 
lands above, near the present city of Jalapa, and conquered the povveriul State 
of Tlascalla, which he induced to become his allies. His march then to Cholula 
the Aztec Mecca — on invitation of the inhabitants, who organized a conspiracy 
to destroy Cortes and his followers. Their punishment was Qierited and severe. 
The o-reat pyramid of Cholula, which the orator h:id visited, was described, as 
well as the fine view from its top. The course of Cortes and his little band 
was now traced across the great plateau of Puebla to the Cordilleras; over these 
mountains, between its two snowy peaks, and down their slopes into the famed 
valley of Mexico, marching among a busy and thriving population, and through 
a highly cultivated country. The orator described the impression the first 
glimpse of this beautiful valley made upon him as he viewed it from the ranks 



Oy THE VERERANS OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 28 

of the American army as it crossed the Cordilleras; and he pronounced the 
view to be finer than the Rhine, with its legendary cast?es, and finer than the 
Arno witli the sky of Italy over it, etc. The march of the Spaniards to the 
causeway that was built up through the lake to the city, their entrance upon 
it, tlieir meeting: with tlx' Aztec monarch, and their reception, and their entr}' 
into the Aztec Capitol — calling it ''a cit}^ of rude magnificence" — the mode of 
life of the great Montezuma, and the princely palace that he inhabited, etc,, 
etc., etc., — followed by a brief mention of the conduct of Cortez, while he occu- 
pied the city, tlie growing liostility between the races, wlilcli culminated into 
open war. whicli, after a desperate and bloody struggle, led to the expulsion 
of tlie Spaniards on wliat is known in history as Nodte Triste^ or ""The Melan- 
ciioly Night." 

Cortez and his little army of Spaniards and Indian allies were now intro- 
duced to the audience in a new role — that of besiegers of the Aztec capital. 
When driven from the city witli heavy loss, Cortez took shelter with the rem- 
nant of his force in the country of Ins faithful Tlascallans. Here lie recruited iiis 
strengrli, and made wliat preparation he could for his proposed attack on the 
Aztec capital. Among other featuies was the construction of thirteen brigan- 
tines, wliicli were conveyed \n sections across the mountains by the Indians and 
launched upon the lake. They were followed by Cortes and his army, and, 
after everytlnng was in readiness, he laid siege to the city by land and water. 
It lasted tliree months. The Aztecs fought with great stubborness. and Cortez 
could only overcome their defence by destroying every building as 
the}^ advanced, and filling up tlie canals with the rubbish. Seven-eightlis of 
of the city was destroyed, and some two hundred thousand of the inhabitants 
perished. The orator presenied the two central figures in this bloody drama, 
Cortez and Montezuma, and gave their characteristics in a few sentences. 

General Davis concluded his address with tlie following reference to 

THE CONQUEST OF MEXICO BY THE AMERICAN ARMY: 

He said — 

Tlius, my comrades, I have drawn a brief pen-picture of the Conquest of the 
oNIontezunias by Hernando Cortez; but the second conquest of Mexico by the 
American Army, under Scott and Taylor, three and a quarter centuries later, 
and in wliich you bore honorable part, is no less renowned. Your courage in 
the field, your patience on the march, and your forbearance in the liour of 
victory — the brightest jewel in a soldier's coronet — all surpassed the Spaniard's. 
Your triumphs were not dimmed by unnecessary cruelty; because your great 
captains conducted the war from a civilized standpoint. 

If time would permit, it would be a most pleasing olhce to trace your con- 
quering legions from Palo Alto to the field of Buena Vista, and from the walls 
of Vera Cruz to the gareta of Belen. How like a story of the olden times seem 
the record of the "Army of Invasion" after the lapse of a third of a century. 
Follow me a moment, comrades, while I recall deeds that stir the blood in 
older veins than ours. Go back with me to the spring morning 31 years ago. 
when the stars and stripes were planted on the beach below Vera Cruz; and 
without my prompting, you recall in an instant — the investment, the bombard- 
ment, the preparation for assault, and the surrender. Gathering up your yic- 
torious columns, you pusli tiirough tlie tangled tropical vegetation for the 
Mexican capital. You brush the enemy away from ihe National Bridge, and 
after a hard and blood}' struggle, scaled the heights of Cerro Gordo, and the 
beautiful city of Jalapa is yours. After a brief rest your serried ranks are again 
closed up and in motion. You climb the sierras of the table land above, in tiie 
track of Cortez. cross the great plain, and Puebia, the second city in the coun- 
try, is ill your possession. Your great Commander now prepares his victorious 
but more than decimated battalions for the supreme effort. You will never 
forget the day you marched from Puebia for the valh^y of Mexico; your crossing 
the great Cordilleras, and your first view of, and descent into, that unsurpassed 
valley. Then follow the great struggles for the Mexican capital, where the 
Anglo-American meets the degcMierate Latin and Aztec races in deadly conflict 
at Cherubusco, Contreras, El Molina del Key, Chepultepec, and the garita of 
Belen. The stars and stripes now float over the "'Halls of the Montezumas," 



24 t^JBOCEEDINGS OF NATIONAL ASSOCIATION 

and the victory is won. Your brothers in the "Arnay of Occupation" bore 
equally well their part, and, at Palo Alto, Resaca, Monterey, and atLa Ango- 
sturo, there they stood in deadly array 31 years ago this very day, emulated 
your deeds. Let the living and the dead of both armies, in your flowing bowls 
be fondly remembered. And, my comrades, what was the fruit of that war? 
You gained for your country almost an empire, richer by far than the Golden 
Fleece, and whose shore upon the Pacific Sea, will, in time, control the com- 
merce of the East, and we are happy in having with us to-day the gallant gentle- 
man [Capt. John A. SutterJ who first exposed to view the wealth of our modern 
Ophir. Notwithstanding what your sufferings and courage gave to the coun- 
try, the American Congress to-day hesitates to recognize the 6,000 survivors 
with the mere pittauce of $8 per month. 

My comrades, how old Father Time has thinned our ranks I He has been 
more destructive than the enemy. Which of you can point to the living com- 
rade who stood at your elbow in the battle and on the march? The death roll 
since the war closed, numbers nearly all who si^rvived the conflict of arms. 
Among the names enbalmed in history, are those of Scott, Taylor, Quitman, 
Duncan, Kansom, Twiggs, and a host of other gallant spirits wliohave '-fought 
their last battle," and gone to their rest. Maryland has her dead, whom she de- 
lights to honor I call to mind the gallant Watson, whose placid countenance looks 
down upon us this evening, and whose soul is with the just, we trust, who died as 
soldiers love to die— on the field of battle; and Ringgold, who met his death by the 
rolling Rio Grande while proving the efficiency of his arm of the service. Mary- 
land should not forget the brave Major Washington, who hold with his battery the 
Pass of La Angostura, the key to the field of Buena Vista, and gave us the victory. 

But time advances, and I must close. As soldiers you deserve well of your 
country, which should not forget your services : as citizens, you deserve well of 
your fellows, and as Christians, I commend you to the Captain of Salvation. 

The audience manifested their ^reat satisfaction with hearty demonstrations of 
applause, and the officers on the platform congratulated General Davis on his 
f elicltous delivery and well-applied remarks. The Secretary regrets that he can 
not give a more elaborate report of the oration, which abounded with happy 
thoughts eloquently expressed. 

General Davis was the recipient of a handsome bouquet of flowers presented by 
a beautiful young lady, the daughter of Comrade George A. Freeburger, "one of 
twenty-three survivors who went to Mexico from Maryland." 

General John Love, first Vice President, submitted the following resolution, 
which passed by acclamation : 

Resolved, That the ofloicers and members of the National Association of Mexican 
veterans return their heartfelt thanks to Comrade W. W. H. Davis for so ably 
filling the gap in the line made vacant by the failure of Comrade Green Clay 
Smith to attend. 

GOVERNOR MILLEDGB L. BONHAM. 

Presitlent Denver then introduced to the meeting his regimental commander in 
Mexico, Col. Milledge L. Bonhara, of the old 12th Infantry, who subsequently 
served in the 35th and 36th Congresses from South Carolina, and afterwards as 
Governor of that State. He was cordially greeted by the audience and made a 
graceful address, prefacing his remarks by expressing his hesitancy in speaking at 
uU after the eloquent address of General Davis. He said his heart beat in unison 
with those present and he hoped it would not be long before the Government would 
Bay to the soldiers of Mexico " W^ell done, good and faithful servants !" and place 
the names of the survivors with those of the Revolution and the war of 1812 on the 
pension rolls. No people can be great who fail to reward those who risk their 
lives in the common cause on the battle field. Comrades, said the speaker, your 
Association extends ail over this great land from the Atlantic to the Pacific, and I 
rejoice to once more stand among you, representing all sections here to-night and 
grasp the hand of friendship with men who served with me in Mexico, and he 
trusted that this bond of fellowship may continue while we live. The speaker paid 
a compliment to the ladies who had lent their presence to make the evening 
pleasant and referred to the valiant deeds of woman as recorded in history : with 
the smiles and approval of the ladies there is no telling what we may accomplish. 
The speaker said the brilliant ornamentations of the hall he had seldom seen 
surpassed on any occasion. The speaker closed with his thanks to the Maryland 



OF THE VETERANS OF THE MEXICAN WAti. ^6 

Mexican Veterans' Association, wlio had done so much towards the pleasure and 
entertainment of their visitors. 

General John Love briefly addressed the audience and concluded by saying the 
the hour for parting had arrived, which would be sad indeed were it not for the 
fact that comrades would again have the pleasure of seeing the happy faces before 
them, he iiopel, one year lience. He therefore moved to adjourn. 

President Denver, in putting the question, tooi< the occasion to bid an affectionate 
good-bye to one and all, and the Association adjourned, to meet again in Balti- 
more, on the 22d February, 1879. 



-A.:p:E=E3srx)i:x:. 



THE SECRETARY RISES TO A "QUESTION OP PRIV- 
ILEGE." 



In all deliberative bodies it has been customary to allow a member assailed, either 
throngh the public press or on the floor, to rise to a "question of privilege," and 
vindicate his conduct by personal explanation. The Secretary has had so much 
business to do for the Association heretofore, that he could not find time to defend 
himself against the aspersion of his adversaries. He now asks the indulgence of 
members while he gives a retrospective view of the work performed by him, and 
refers to circumstances that will aid in explaining the animus of his traducers, and 
refuting their charges. 

Every comrade who has watched the progress of our movement since the spring 
of ]873, is familiar— if he has given the subject any consideration— with the difficul- 
ties surrounding my position. I started out, with no commissariat behind me to 
drum up the survivors of the Army of Mexico, scattered all over the continent of 
America. It was not a boy's work, and not every man of my age would have 
devoted himself to the task when his family had a right to the few remaining years 
of his existence. 

But the convention of survivors which assembled at Washington City on the 15th 
of January, 1874, showed that the time was ripe for the proposition, not only in the 
general character of the men who attended, but in the enthusiasm with which they 
espoused the objects set forth in the call. The organization of the National 
Association was efiected, though it must be confessed very crudely. I was called 
upon to perform the arduous duties of the Secretary, and left to my own resources 
and fertility of invention to fulfill them. I accepted the task, (though not without 
protest, for I distrusted my abilities,) and have continued to discharge them to this 
day. 

The manner of conducting the business details of my oflice has been the target of 
severe criticism by persons who had nothing to do with the association but to find 
fault, and at our last meeting I added to my Annual Report the following retro- 
spective view of the past work, to which objection was made by an individual 
present, and I concluded to lay it before the members in an appendix to the regular 
proceedings, (together with some other matter pertinent to the subject,) to wit: 

The Convention of January 15, 1874, elected five Secretaries, and designated me 
as "First SecretHry" for duty at headquarters in Washington. I earnestly begged 
to be excused from serving— my ambition at the time having been sufficiently 
gratified with the success attending our exertions during the previous year in 
getting the convention together; but the declination was refused, and by such 
unanimity, that I had no recourse but to accept the task and devote my humble 
abilities to the labor before me. 



26 APPENDIX TO PROOEEDINC^S OF NATIONAIi ASSOCIATION^ 

After the adjournment of the Convention an examination of its proceedings 
showed that no system of dividing the labors of the Secretaries had been provided 
for in the organic act, and one of those selected as a Secretary suggested to me the 
drafting of a plan of work, which I accordingly prepared, submitting the draft 
informally— {distinctly marked "unofficial") — to each of the Secretaries. It pro- 
posed equal geographical divisions of the States and Territories, one to be assigned 
to each Secretary, and quarterly reports to the First Secretary at Washington. The 
several answers to this plan developed the fact that three of the gentlemen ap- 
pointed by the Convention could not spare the time and expense (for there was no 
system of raising revenue provided) from their daily avocations. The remaining 
two could not agree upon any practical division of the labor, and I was thus left to 
work on my own resources, or abandon the task imposed upon me by the founders 
of the Association. 

In this dilemma I wrote to Gen. Cadwalader, at Philadelphia, who was elected 
President of the proposed association, who advised me to do the best I could 
under the circumstances, and authorized me to confer with Gen. Denver, then 1st 
Vice President, whenever I needed counsel or advice. Thenceforward I conferred 
with the Chief Executive OjEficer of the Association at headquarters in all matters of 
importance, and in all cases have obeyed, in my subordinate position, any instruc- 
tions or suggestions he saw proper to make. 

The Association having provided no method of raising money, as before stated, 
to pay the expenses of printing and postage involved, with Gen. Denver's ac- 
quiescence I published 4,000 copies of the proceedings of that year, and 17,000 
circulars which were sent to all quarters of the country. Whenever I could learn 
the postoffice address of a Mexican veteran, through the various channels of infor- 
mation centered at Washington, I sent these pamphlets and circulars, and when 
the next Convention assembled I had collected the names of 4,061 survivors — in- 
cluding 2,549 whose military services in Mexico were stat;ed. The amount received 
in donations and as a return for the pamphlet fell considerably short of the actual 
outlay of money, but I telt highly gratified at finding the Convention endorsed by 
so many of the survivors. 

At ttie second annual meeting a Finance Committee was appointed to devise 
some plan of assessment of the States. The committee issued a circular setting 
forth the necessity of raising funds to defray expenses and "compensate the Secre- 
tary" in some measure for the labor required of him. The amount received under 
this call by the Treasurer was duly reported at the next meeting. It is sufficient to 
say that the committee found their plan impracticable, and as the proceedings had 
to be published, I again, rather than abandon the cause, assumed the risk of reim- 
bursement by personal donations, much to my distaste and inconvenience. 

About this period of our history as an Association, I sought by correspondence 
with the large hearted and public spirited officers of the great railroad lines to 
obtain free passes for our members from their homes to the Centennial meeting in 
Philadelphia, which had been agreed upon at the outset. To make such a favor 
practicable, it was absolutely necessary to issue a badge to distinguish "members" 
of the Association from mere pretenders, who would seek to impose upon the rail- 
road companies as well as the Association. I found in the record of proceedings 
that a design for a badge as the insign-a of membership had been adopted, and a 
committee appointed consisting of the President, Secretary, and "First Assistant 
Secretary," to have the supervision of the subject. Two of this committee were 
personal realities; but the only "assistant" the Secretary had any knowledge of in 
the performance of his labors at headquarters consisted of his own family and such 
clerical aid as he employed and paid for out of his own resources. The committee 
ascertained at what cost the intentions of the Association could be complied with. 
An estimate subinitted to the committee from the authorities at the U. S. mint 
showed that $1,05 for each medal would be the actual cost. It was then agreed to 
furnish them to members at $2 each — leaving the residue (95 cents) to cover cost of 
incidental expenses. The Secretary was to take tJie entire labor upon himself and the 
entire risk of reimbursement. 

This unpromising method of raising means to defray the contingent expenses of 
the Association turned out, however, to be the only feasible plan which had ever 
presented itself. I had previously been deluded with the idea that the announce- 
ment of my willingness to act as a "claim agent" would probably bring in sufficient 
patronaa;e from comrades (and their friends, perhaps,) to enable me to carry on the 
work of my office from legal fees; but this glittering idea resulted in adding vastly 
to my labors and expenses with no remuneration worth speaking of, thus far. I 
have learned by dear experience, what older claim agents knew before, that the 
class of claims which fell to my lot — namely, "Old war claims," Bounty Land and 
Invalid Pensions, the just debts of the Government to her old defenders — are 
virtually repudiated by the rulings of the Departments under legislation having in 



OP THE VETERANS OF THE MEXICAN WAB. 27 

view the "credit of the country" in the estimation of that class of our fellow-citizens 
who speculate in stocks, bonds, gold and silver. 

Another fruit growing out of this experiment was the severe criticism of rival 
aspirants in this direction who perhaps discovered a mercenary motive in all my 
actions. The impression prevails to some extent that I have a, 7nonopoly of all iJie 
names of survivors. I know, and have known all along, to the contrary. In every 
county and State canvassers for claim agents have been collecting the names and 
the records of Mexican veterans, and carefully noting their statements with a view 
to prosecuting their claims I have aided many of these canvassers with circulars 
and pamphlets, because I knew they would nil feel interested in getting the bill 
passed, which hns always been the highest object in view with me. Some of these 
canvassers have already got their reward in selling their lists to professional claims 
agents for a cash advance and a contingent share of the fee. In some cases enter- 
prising individuals have sold their information to half a dozen different agents on 
those terms. A few days ago a gentleman engaged in prosecuting claims al Wash- 
ington informed me that he had been offered a "complete list" of all the survivors 
who belonged to the Association, and asked my advice about purchasing. I sug- 
gested that he had better make sure that the list had not been already sold to other 
agents, and that the seller did not retain a copy to be sold to some one else. I have 
formed no partnership nor made arrangements of any kind with other persons 
engaged in the prosecution of claims, but will with pleasure give information to any 
member to enable him to prosecute his own claim if he sees lit, or he can select me 
as his agent if he chooses. The tield was unoccupied when I entered upon the 
work, and although there arc now many contestants for the harvest, 1 will be the 
last man to object to a fair rivalry. 

**********^e..,f. 

The foregoing was intended to be a part of my Annual Report, but the tactics of 
my opponents as shown in our last meeting, elsewhere reported, suggested to me the 
propriety of laying before the body of the membership in an "appendix" to the 
proceedings the facts above given, (well understood by the officers of the Associa- 
tion and the Investigating Committee,) in connection with a narrative of incidents 
that will serve to show the "true inwardness" of the opposition which raises its 
diminutive head in our annual meetings to the annoyance and disgust, of everj^ true 
friend of the cause. It is becoming monotonous, and on my own responsibility I 
propose to show it up in rebuttal of their widely circulated slnnders. 

In May, 1873, the call for a National Convention to be held January 15, 1874 
emanated from me under authority of the local Association in Washington, which i 
was instrumental in organizing for that avowed purpose. The pro()ositio'n proved 
to be popular throughout the country. Some six months afterward some enterpris- 
ing parties called a meeting in New York, (l^th September, 1878,) which also pro- 
vided by resolution for a Convention to beheld in Washington on the 8th of January 
1874 — one week prior to the one called by me. As the time approached for the 
meeting the gentleman who acted as Secretary of the "rival" convention wrote to 
me a modest proposition to unite the two calls, and allow the officers of the New 
York meeting to organize the National Convention as a continuation of the New 
York aflair. My reply was that the duty of the Washington Association would be 
fulfilled when the assembled delegates were enrolled, the meeting called to order 
and a committee on organization appointed; urging him in the same letter in the 
most friendly spirit to "come over and help us" in full force. The result of that 
Convention was, after three days' deliberation, the organization of the National 
Association, and I was selected contrary to my expressed wish and desire^ for the 
onerous position I occupy to-day. 

A very bitter feeling soon after developed itself in the obtrusive interference with 
everything 1 sought to do by two disappointed individuals from New York who had 
participa'ed in the Convention, namely, Wm. Linn Tidball and Francis D. Clark. 
I charitably assumed at first that their opposition to me was merely misdirected zeal 
in the cause, and sought by every means in my power to conciliate them, and for 
two years, I think, I devoted more time to the whims and caprices of these two 
malcontents than their importance to the general welfare entitled them to. Clark 
who is connected with a club, of which he appears to be the steersman, called the 
"Territorial Pioneers of California," in New York, availed himself by a sharp trick 
of my services in getting him the names of many old Californians on this side of the 
continent to bolster him up in that position, and returned my kindness by writing to 
the newspapers in California open letters over his signature as a "Secretary of "the 
National Association," unjustly and malignantly criticising my conduct and 
motives; but as the shallow source was so apparent to every man of common sense 
I never before thought it worth the time involved to notice him, especially as I am 



28 AJPPENDIX TO PBOOEEDINaS OF NATIONAIi ASSOOlATtOii 

pretty well known in California, being one among the pioneer citizens of '49, and 
still continue a citizen of that State. 

Tidball, however, is a more plausible humbug. He has never identified himself 
with the National Association by filing his record of service in Mexico, in the 
archives of that body, and I am under no more obligation as the Secretary to notice 
him than the "Ahkoond of Swat," or any other man. He claims to have "won a 
commission in the field" during the Mexican war, but it is a safe bet that neither he 
nor his "Dundreary" friend Clark ever heard a gun fired by the enemy in Mexico. 
But that point would not be raised by me in this connection if they had not at- 
tempted to underestimate my services on the same score. The immediate cause of 
Tidball's feeling against me grew out of an arrogant letter which he, as President 
of the New York Association, (the composition of which body I have been unable to 
learn,) addressed to me as Secretary of the National Association, demanding at the 
mint valuation a large number of the medals which are the insignia of memhership in 
the latter body; and when I politely reminded him of their character in this respect, 
and informed him that any of the members of that Association could obtain one by 
sending his record for file in the National Association, his wrath and indignation be- 
came uncontrollable. He attended the meeting of February 22, 1876, where the 
whole matter was explained, and the Secretary's course was sustained, Mr. Tidball 
finding himself without any intelligent support. He then vented his spleen by im- 
pugning the motives of the Secretary, probably in all sincerity from his standpoint, 
because mother Nature has so constituted Mr. Tidball that he cannot see an honest 
impulse outside of his own carcase. Much to my regret I then rebutted his charges 
in words that have since been construed, through the persuasive eloquence of 
of Tidball, as reflecting upon the Association which Mr. T. claimed to "represent," 
but his massive intellect failed to comprehend that the National body is composed 
of individuals, and not of "representatives," though he has lately tried to change 
its character in that respect. Unless it be on the hypothesis that saucy words to a 
constable is an insult to a whole community, I protest against my antipathy to these 
fellows, (Tidball and Clark,) being considered an insult to the comrades of the 
National Association residing in New York or elsewhere, whose good opinion I 
would gladly aspire to by faithful service in the position they have assigned to me. 
In consequence of this controversy or misunderstanding, a printed circular, 
evidently prepared by Tidball. though signed by a "committee" of individuals not 
members of the National Association to whom I owe no service, was circulated at 
the Centennial meeting in Philadelphia, with a view, perhaps, to aid Mr. Tidball in 
his aspirations for the Secretaryship, for which he was a candidate, though unsuc- 
cessful. This document strongly insinuated that I was wanting in those essential 
qualifications for a Secretary, ""education and refinement, of courtesy and decency, 
of modesty," and so forth; that I had cast a slur upon their Association, (which I 
here repeat, was never my intention-,) had insinuated "that Col. Wm. Linn Tidball 
had never served in Mexico" — [which, at the time, had never been insinuated by 
me, but he promptly seizes the pretext for saying that — "Col Wm. Linn Tidball, as 
a member of an Ohio regiment, won upon the field the commission which he held at 
the close of the war." liow he loon the commission is not stated — possibly at 
"Draw Poker" or "Brag." There was a Tidball in the service at Mataraoros, on 
the outer edge of Mexico, but the only duty required of the post guard under him 
was to keep order in the bagnios, fandangoes and monte shops by promply arrest- 
ing any disorderly soldier who raised a row after being fleeced. The Tidball 
referred to was 2d Lieutenant 3d Ohio, but is down in the books as "William D. 
Tidball." If this is the "field" in which he won his commission, he cannot be 
blamed for not filing his record of service, when his comrades were sent to the front 
to fight the enemy.] 

This widely circulated pamphlet also intimated that my services in Mexico were 
rendered at San Pascual, in California, where one of the "bluejackets," whose 
name was appended to the circular, "came to my relief." Although this is an error 
of little importance, I have to state for the "truth of history," that I had not the 
honor of servinc; at San Pascual, but was on Scott's line in Mexico. The circular 
also refers to my claiming to represent California in the Convention, and remarks 
that the "committee are unable to ascertain that it is by any proper authority" 

This pamphlet of the Tidball faction has been industriously distributed among 
the members of the National Association, many of whom have called my attention 
to it, during the past two years. I thought the personal malignity which bristled 
all over the document was sufficient defense for me, and the only answer to in- 
quiries in the matter, heretofore published by me, was giving my record of service 
in Mexico, in connection with my name, when it appeared among "members 
present" at our meetings, to wit: Private Co. B., Capt. Copeland S. Hunt, 3d La. 
Infanty, and Sergt. Co. G. 3d Dragoons, Capt. A. M. Duperu. Although I was 
only a "common man in the ranks" in Mexico, and remain a common man jla the 



OP THE VETERANS OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 29 

ranks of the survivors to-day, there is Dothing in my record that I blush to recall. 
While I have a ])roper degree of admiration for my fellow-meu who have achieved 
distinction in an honorable way, 1 want it understood that ii is not on their account 
that I have expended my energies in this direction. They know how to work out 
their own salvation. 

At our last meeting some of these individuals were accompanied by a person who 
served in the same regiment with me to prove that my pietent-ions to being a 
member of that regiment were groundless. iS'ot anticipating any such plot, on the 
part of my industrious adversaries, I had not fortified my position against such an 
attack, but good fortune favored me in one of the seven or eight surviving com- 
rades of my old company being present, in the person of Col. Henry Ray Myers, 
late Consul to Hamilton, Lower Canada, who routed their 'Dragoon force" most 
effectually, he being a pensioner for a wound received in "G'" Company, 3d Dra- 
goons, and was recogniz<'d by members present as a competent witness, while my 
opponent, like myself, had only his unsupported word to prove his service. 

Gen. Denver, however, in the goodness of his heart, has settled this question in a 
manner that 1 cannot resist the temptation to lay before my friends and opponents^ 
even at the risk of being accused of egotism by the latter, as follows: 

LETTER OF GEN. J. W. DEMVER TO COL. W. G. MOSELEY. 

Washington, D. C, Aprin5, 1878. 
Col. Wm. G. Moseley, Oy:-ter Creek, Brazoria Co., Texas. 

Dkar Colonel: Allow me to trouble you a moment. You are no doubt aware of 
the fact that A. M. Kenaday is the Secretary of the National Association of the 
survivors of the Mexican War. He and you, if I mistake not, belonged to Captain 
Duperu's company of the 3d Dragoons; at least my recollection of you is as one of 
the Lieutenants of that company, and he reports himself as having been one of the 
Sergeants. He has been the life and soul of our organization. In fact, it was 
mainly through his efforts that the association was organized at all. He has worked 
for it with the most unselfish and untiring zeal; and yet, strange to say, he has met 
with the most extraordinary hostility from less than a half dozen persons, who 
make it a business to attend every meeting of the Association, and to vent their 
spleen against him, by making charges a'gainsi him, most of which have been 
refuted over and over again. Still they seem to be as untiring as they are un- 
scrupulous, and at our last meeting another charge was mentioned, (but not formally 
presented,) and that was "that A. M. Kenaday was not in the Mexican war at all;" 
and they had a man there who said he had been Quartermaster's Sergeant of the 3d 
Dragoons, and did not know any such man in that regiment. A Mr. H. K. Myers 
oontradicted him, or rather his insinuation, and said that he (M.) had belonged to 
Duperu's company and knew Kenaday well, and spoke in the highest terms of him 
as a soldier. 

Such a charge, of course, can easily be refuted by referring to the records, but the 
records will not give all I want to know, and therefore I write to you for informa- 
tion. Please inform me if you can w hether A. M. Kenaday was a Sergeant in Capt. 
Duperu's companv, 3d Dragoons, in the war with Mexico? How long he served in 
that company? What battles was he in? And your recollection of him generally 
as a soldier? Also state whether you belonged to the same company. 

Please return this letter with your answer, and oblige. 
Yours, respectfully, 

J. W. DENVER, 
Fres't Nat. Ass'n Vets, of Mex. War, 
F&rmerly Capt. Co. B, 12th U. S. Inf. 



reply of col. w. g. moseley. 

Oyster Creek Station, Texas, April 22, 1878. 

Gen. J. W. Denver, Washington, D. C. — Yours of the loth instant is just to 
hand, and with all the spirit of a just enterprise in defense of a true and honorable 
man, an old and tried comrade 'ah^ friend, 1 hasten to rei)ly. 

I was appointed a 2d Lieutenant 3d Dragoons in April, 1847, by President Polk, 
and ordered to join Capt. Duperu's troop in New Orleans, which I did. In this 
troop was a Sergeant named Alex. M. Kenaday, who served during the entire war, 
having served previously in a Louisiana Infantry regiment. He was frequently 
under my individual command, on detached service. One memorable occasion waa 



30 APPENDIX TO PROCEEDINGS OF NATIONAI; ASSOCIATION 

in the battle of Cherubusco. Sergeant Kenaday and fifteen men were with me near 
the person of General Worth, to bear orders, lead detachments, &c. Of course we 
were in the tliickest of the fight, and the Sergeant performed a feat of heroism, as 
you could see if my little book of "Reminiscences of the Mexican War" was 
published.* The Sergeant was in every action in which my troop was engaged, 
(several,) and always acted with conspicuous coolness and gallantry. 

It is a piece of meanness, cowardice and savagery to endeavor to detract such a 
man, and I doubt not the authors never smelt powder or heard a bullet whistle. 
Kenaday is a modest, high-toned, but poor gentleman, working in a good cause, and 
I take especial pleasure in defending him from a pack of jackalls, and if the Pension 
bill passes will do my devoirs for him here in Texas. 

Yours, very truly, W. G. MOSELEY. 



* I am permitted by the publisher of Ool. W. G. Moseley's "Reminiscenses of the Mexican 
War," to copy the foUowing' from the MSS in advance of its publication: 

"Just as llie tete dupont was captured, and I was pushing forward with my detachmen t, the 
causeway was blocked up with the huge Mexican ordnance wagons, one of wliich was on fire 
threatening instant explosion. I immediately ordered Sergeant A. M. Kenaday, of my detach- 
ment, to viismount witli some of the troopers and put out the fire and throw out the ammunition 
This most perilous duty, equal to storming the deadly breach, was executed in the most gallant 
and expeditious manner, and a calamitous disaster averted by true heroism." 

O-ASTON. 

San Souci. Florida, March 21, 1853. 

Mai R S. Ripley, aid to Gen. Pillow, also refers to the incident in his history of the "War 
with iVIexico," published in 1S49. (Geu. Pillow and his statf paid a flymg visit to G-en. Worth .as 
soon as the 5th mf.mtry entered the tete da pont, and the two Division Generals marched to the 
Mexican works in company; and while these officers and their statf were together tne incident re- 
ferred to transpired ) Col. Ripley says: , ,, . ^ ,, , ^ 

"The road from the village ot (Jherubusco to the captured work {tete dupont) was much ob- 
structed by the killed and wounded, and the Mexican ammunition train. The huge wagons of 
which it was composed took up much space, and, in addition, every draught animal attached to 
them had been killed by the Mexican fire from the tete dupont and convent. The confusion caused 
by the mass of dead men and animals, wagons and material thrown together upon the road, was 
increased by the taking fire of one of the ammunition wagons, threatening instant and destruc- 
tive explosion. In consequence, some delay arose in bringing the dragoons forward past the 
obstacles to the captured work. Some of the soldiers attached to Worth's escort, however, with 
most reckless daring, mounted the wagons and actually threw tke burning ammuaUion chests into 
the ditch^^^ 

ri tiici- this opportunity to say that the comrade who assisted me in this unloading affair sub- 
sequeiitry rode with me, in Phil. Kearny'.^ charge, to the gareta San Antonio, where he was 
killed and mvself unhorsed by the same volley. His name was CuRfis, and, like thousands of 
other brave nien, was tumbled into a ditch without ceremony. If I can ever find his widow, I 
will at least endeavor to get a pension for her old days.— A. M. K.J 

In refj-ard to the insinuation that I had no authority to represent the Veterans of 
the Mexican War in Ualitoniia, 1 will only reply that on ttie 1st of October, 1866, 
Messrs. Edward Barthrop, Holmes, 0. Patrick, Charles Wochotz, James E. Nutt- 
man (now of New Jersey), Wm. Rankin, and John Burke Ptiillips, who were my 
associates in organizing the San Francisco Veterans Association, prepared and ob - 
tained the signatures to the following testimonial, yet in my possession, to wit: 

To the Honorable Senators and Beprese?iiatives in Congress from California and tlie 

States on the Pacific Slope.- 

Gentlemen. — The undersigned, officers of the Associated Veterans of the Mexi- 
can War, a benevolent organization desigaed to include the surviving soldiers and 
sailors resident on the Pacific Coast, who served in the Mexican war, desire, in fur- 
therance of regulations adopted by the association to have an Agent residing in 
Wasliin^toa City who can have access to the records of the proper deparlmeuLs for 
the purpose of procuring authentic information in regard to the qualifications of per- 
ons applying for niembersliip in the association, and to collect and forward to the so- 
ciety tioni the seat of the Government, such advice as will tend to promote the in- 
terests and welfare of the body we represent. 

We tliercfore respectfully request that you will use your influence to secure for 
Mr Alexander M. Keoaday an appointment in some department of the Government, 
which will enable him to devote a portion of his time to the objects herein set forth. 

Mr Kenaday honorably served his couatry during the Mexican war, and from 
the active interest manifested by him in effecting this organization, we feel war- 
ranted in saying that he is well qaalitied for the service we require at his hands, and 
that he will wolthily and faithfully discharge any duties assigned to him under the 

o-overnment. 

^ Very respectfully yours, 

H W Halleck, President; Selim E, Woodworih, V. P.; T, W. Freelon, V, P.; 

IVm Suefner, Rec. Sec,;R. G. Bogeys, Co?-, te,; J^ W, McKenzie, Treasurer,- 



OF THE VETERANS OF THE MEXICAN WAB. 31 

J.D. Stevenson, Marshal. Trustees — Rich'd P. Hammond, Arch. Cooper, Wm. L. 
Duncan, Wm. H. Bell, John B. Frisbie, Wm. Blandin^. 

The above also bears a favorable endorsement of "U. S. Grant, General," dated 
Dec. 22, 1868. 



Many of my personal friends will think I have attached undue importance to Tid- 
ball's animadversions, but 1 am fietliug tired of having raj efforts to maintain the 
association characterized as the devices of an adventurer, when the author himself 
will stoop to practices in his profession that should disbar him from association with 
honorable lawyers. Comrade M. L. Dome, of West Virginia, was a client of Tid- 
ball's, and has no very exalted opinion of him. A case that 1 piepared and filed at 
Albany, N. Y., for a comrade at his earnest solicitation, was by some mysterious 
means transferred to Tidball, who appropriated to his own use the fee which I 
earned and needed to carry on the association. I propose to make this fellow's 
exclusion from our meetings in future— where he has no right — a test question. 

A. M. KENADAY, 



DEBATES IN CONGRESS ON THE PENSION BILL. 

As hereinbefore stated, the House Committee on Pensions reported a bill to grant 
pensions to the survivors of the Black Hawk, Florida, and Mexican wars, which 
stands at the head of the calendar for action of the Committee of the Whole, and 
will probably be passed in December, the first time the House goes into committee. 

At various times it was up for consideration during the late session, but our friends 
found it impossible to get a direct vote on the bill. Mr. Hewitt informed me the 
last night of the session, that he thought it would pass next winter without much 
opposition. 

Brief sketches of the speeches delivered will not do justice either to the eloquence 
or research of our friends in Congress, or to the cause they have espoused, but it is 
all that can be given, owing to pecuniary circumstances beyond the control of the 
secretary. 

SPEECH OF HON. HIRAM P. BELL, OF GEORGIA. 

On the 9th of Februnry, 1878, Hon. H. P. Bell, of Georgis, [Democrat] made a 
most ekquent and patriotic appeal to the House in favor of our uill. 

After alluding to the prevailing custom among governments of recognizing, by 
some system of rewards, eminent services rendered bv their citizens, atui stating 
the fact that our soldiers in the Mexican war and of the Seminole, Crefk Hnd Black 
Hawk Indian wars had never yet been recognized by the usual reward of pensions, 
Mr. Bell says they have waited during thirty years, all the while patiently and wil- 
lingly paying their proportion of the taxes, which pay the revolutionary' pensions, 
and tho.-e, too, soldiers of the war of 1S12, and al.-:o the 28 millions to the disabled 
Union soldiers in the late civil war, without having rec(M\ed ojie cent of I'eward for 
the services which brought us an empire of gold and silver-producing public lands. 
They are now willingly paying taxes for the support of the regular army, for the 
maintenance of \>'est Point, for the interest on the Pacific railway bonds, and for 
the mail steamer subsidies, some of which would not have become necessarv, or, 
perliaps, even pos.<ible, but for the sorvices of these veterans. Upon what syst'-ra of 
justice have tlu'se Mexican and Indian veierans been thus slighted? W hy are they 
nc»w humiliated by being compelled to come here in an organized shape, year after 
year to detpaiul tin* simple meed of satisfacti(»n and recognition to which they are 
clearly an^l jn>tly entitled? Their valor obtained for us an area of nearly 1,000,000 
square miles of teni'.ory, comprisiuir California, Colorado, Nevada, Arizona, Utah, 
New Mexico, and Wyoming:. And from these we have unearthed over one tlious- 
and millions of metallic treasures, independent of their agricultural and commercial 
resources. The story of their wealth transcends the most fabulous tales of the 
Orient, of Ormus and of Indial This territory was purchased for us by volunteer 
]}lood, by the sacrifices of home and the happiness iiicident to peace and peaoefu\ 



32 APPENDIX TO PROCEEDINGS OF NATIONAL ASSOCIATION 

parents at the call of Country. Everything dear to the heart of man was risked by 
these patriots of thirty years ago that the wrongs of their country might be avenged. 
They took no thought for the future. They had no doubt Congress would grate- 
fully and promptly recognize their services. They knew it was the estabhshed 
policy of the government to take care of its veterans with pensions to them or 
their dependent heirs, and if they fell or were disabled, they made no doubt their 
wants and those of their dependants would be provided for in like manner. They 
had no doubt that the services of all would be recognized in the usual way. They 
had every right to expect it. That expectation was also strengthened by the bril- 
liant and unparalleled success of their efforts. And now, after thirty years of wait- 
ing, they are here at the doors of Congress, old and decrepit, many of thtni from 
the sufferings of their campaigns, and the diseases then contracted, asking only for 
an annual stipend of less than one tenth of one percentum of the vast sum of the 
treasures secured by us by their patrotic sacrifices. Still we hesitate!— hesitate to 
do justice! Hesitate to pay a slight brokerage on our acquisitions! I shall cheer- 
fully support this bill. 1 wish it were even more liberal in its provisions for the 
widows and orphans of those soldiers whose valor first taught tlie whole world that 
the citizen soldiers of the United States, the representative Republic of the worid, 
were as invincible when avenging insult and wrong upon a foreign soil as when de- 
fending their own homes and firesides from spoliation by a foreign foe. This lesson 
has proved of incalculable value to our country. It has compelled the respect of the 
whole civilized world. The promptitude with which, after a series of brilliant vic- 
tories, our national colors were planted upon the heights of Chepultepec, whence 
they shortly afterwards waved over the proud city of the Aztecs, attracted the 
attention, if not the applause, of the military powers of the earth. Since these 
achievements, no foreign power has deemed it prudent to sneer at our prowess. 
Shall we longer subject ourselves to the reprobation of the nations by failing and 
repressing to recognize properly the patriotism and valor which achieved such mag- 
nificent results? 



SPEECH OF HON. H. A. HERBERT, OF ALABAMA. 



The Mexican veterans' pension bill was taken up in the House on the 15th of 
February, when, after the reading of the able report of the committee, Mr. Herbert 
proceeded to discuss the merits of the bill, and particularly that feature of it which 
proposes to make no discrimination between those of its ben ficiaries who fought 
for and against the government during the late civil war. He proposed, by the re- 
peal of section 3,480 of the Revised Statutes, to give full eft'ect io the execution of 
laws by heads of departments to the decision of the Supreme Court to the effect 
"that the pardon of the president restored rights of property, and that this effect 
was not subject to the control of Congress." 

The bill will affect but very few Confederates who have not been pardoned, and 
such are debarred from its benefits and terms. If the pension system, as adopted 
by this government, is just and proper, and if it has been feasibly characterized as 
constituting a valid claim by the soldier upon the government, then is the property 
of such soldier, apart of his estate, and there can be no good reason for confisca- 
ting such property that would not apply with equal force to all other property. As 
no other property is made confiscable, except through a decree of a court of com- 
petent jurisdiction, why should claims of Southern soldiers be confiscated by decree 
of a head of a department? If the president's pardon not only remits the penalty, 
but also blots out the ofl-ence, pardoned and restores property rights, why exact 
from Southern claimants who have been pardoned, proof of loyalty? If the act of 
asking or accepting pardon be accounted proof of guilt, why should not the posses- 
sion of a full pardon also be accounted proof _pnma facie of innocence and restored 
loyalty ? 

Mr. Herbert justly argues that claimants under this act in the South, being poor, 
need the pittance they would receive from its passage, and the effect of its prompt 
payment would be salutary upon the rest of the community^ These old soldiers are 
still patriotic, and are also the oracles of their circles. This recognition of their 
services would kindle the fire of patriotism in their breasts and strengthen their re- 
spect for the government, while it would also excite the sympathy of their neighbors 
in the same direction, and gradually build up an affectionate and loyal sentiment 
for the Federal Governmeni. The many thousands of Southern soldiers, and the 



OF THE VETERANS OP THE MEXICAN WAR. 33 

Widows and orphans of such as were fighting against the government in the late 
civil war, Mr. Herbert said, could never expect national reward. They did not 
expect it But tiiey had accepted the logic of events. They acknowledged alle- 
giance to the government they had fouglic to destroy, and now claimed it as their 
government. They were rehabilitated as citizens. They were represented in the 
councils of the nation, and they now demand an equal and just share in the bles- 
sings of the government as that government is administered. Th<^y do not wish to 
be constantly made to feel that all the blessings of this government are for tlie peo- 
ple of the North, and its burdens all for the South, nor to have all their motives and 
acts misconstrued to their pivjudice. They are too poor to buy liovernment bonds, 
but they are still rich in the desire to aid in building up the country into agreatand 
prosperous nation, that shall be honored at home and abroad by all other nations, 
colors and conditions of men. They are willing to be taxed to pay all national obliga- 
tions, but they ask that they may have tlieir just share of ali benetits accruing from 
national le^'i.-lalion. They ask that the Southern heroes of the Mexican tields, as 
well as the Northern ones, may be allowed to share in the rewards for the gallantry 
there displayed. Better than all the gold of California and all the silver of Nevada, 
that the South may feel that Congress legislates alike for the North and the South, 
Then will reconstruction be complete. 



REMARIffl OF HON. L. POWERS, OF MAINE. 



On the same day, Mr. Powers, of Maine— a Kepublican member of the Commit- 
tee on Invalid Pensions — spoke in opposition to the bill, basing his objections upon 
the large sinn of money its provisions would take fr>'m rlie Treasury in the present 
hard times (which he estimated would reach $7,000,000 per annum), when the 
country is not well able to pay it: the establishment of two bad precedents in legis- 
lation, viz: pensioning volunteer soldiers in Indian wars, and pensioning able- 
bodied men in the p'-ime of life (56 years of age), many of whom are men of station 
and fortune; and, tiually, by n^pealing the section 4,716 of the Revised Statutes, 
opening wide the door, a^^ he belit;ved, lor the payment of the arrears of pensions to 
rho.»e in the Confederate service, not only back to the date of their pardon, but clear 
back to the date of the suspension of their names from the rolls, including the very 
time that they were engaged in fighting against the government that was paying 
them. Mr. Powers estimated that instead of six thousand beneficiaries, as calculated 
in the coumiittee's report, under this bill there wouid be some 45,000 of the Mexican 
veterans, and some 30,000 who fought in the Indian wars, and that the ainiual cost 
would exceed seven millions, instead of only one-and-a half, as estimated b}' the 
committee's report. 

JSlr. Powers asseverated that the soldiers of the Kevolution averaged nearly eighty 
years of age when pensioned, nnd that then it was upon the grounds that the3''"had 
received no pay while in the service, except in woithless notes, and there was at 
the time (»f the pa-saj^e of that bill a surplus in the Treasury, out of which we were 
able to pay that just debt to the few surviving octogenarian* who sulfernd those 
liardships for us in th- infancy of the country. Again, the veterans of 1812 were 
not pensioned until fifty-six years after their discharge from service. Their average 
age was nearly eighty. Hut here it was proposed to pension some 40,000 men whose 
average age was only fifty-six, and whose discharge from service occurred only 
thirty years ago. lie contended that there; was no prec^nlent in our history for this 
proposition; tliat no former pension act could be cited fairly as a precedent for this 
proposed act. lie (pioted from the debates of 1871 to sustain his assertion. Mr. 
Powers CI iticised the committee's estimates of the number o( beneficiaries who would 
probably a[>ply, and instead of six diousand, insistei thnt they were more likely to 
reach 45.000, as shown by data, which he considered reliable. He then referred to 
those engag- d in the Indian wars, and asserted that this proposition to pension sol- 
diers engaiied in such wars was entirely without precedent. I'opass it, would open 
the d<Jors to application for pensions from every frontiersman in the land, for there 
are very few of them who could not prove that they had served at least thirty days 
upon Indian trails. His estimate of the survivors of the several Indian wars, who 
would be entitled, under this bill, to pensions, was 30,000 as against 3,700 estimated 
on the committee's report. 

In consideration of these facts and allegations, Mr. Powers concluded that it was 
liighly inexpedient and impolitic to pass a bill inaugurating such a new and radica,\ 



34 APPENDIX TO PBOOEBDINGS OF NATIONAL. ASSOCIATION 

innovation upon our past history, and ttie more especially at a time when the peo- 
ple were ^roanin^ under the heavy weight of present taxation. It would be bad 
policy, in times of plenty, when industries were ail employed at remunerative rates 
and prosperity on every hand, caused a lar^e surplus to Jlow into tiie people's treas- 
ury. What must it be, then, when all are stajjgeriujjj under onerous burdens, when 
labor is unemployed, and capital is paralyzed; the wheels of industry blocked, and 
the privations of poverty afflicting a large percentage of the people ? 

Mr. Hewitt, of Ala., corrected some ot the statements made by Mr. Powers,which 
tended, in a measure, to reconcile the wide discrepancies as to results. 

Mr. Powers avowed himself in favor of paying pardoned Coniederates, whose 
names had been suspended from the roils during the civil war, those arrears ■which 
bad accrued since the date of President Johnson's general anuusty. Buc he claimed 
that if the section of inhibition (4.716) were repealed, as is here proposed, the eflecfc 
would be to pay them for the years during which they were iji rebiUion, and were 
:0ghting against the goyermiient. 



THE secretary's CARD REVIEWING POWERS' SPEECH. 

Immediately on the publication of the speech of Mr. Powers, Secretary Kenaday 
published a card addressed to the editor of the National Republican, Washmgton, 
D. C, and sent a copy to the desk of every member, in which he took issue with 
Mr. Powers' method of arriving at the assumed annual cost of $7,000,000 as involved 
in this bill. The "Carlisle tables," made from the data of "Life Assurance 
Experiences," were shown to be utterly inapplicable to the average longevity of the 
volunteer soldier element of population, which is known to be largely made up of 
reckless, adventurous spirits who no sooner escape from one danger than they are seek- 
ing the excitement of another. The fact that large numbers of the soldiers of the 
Mexican War entered the mining fields of California, at its close, is well known. 
Others joined Lopez in his Cuban raid and were lost. Still others found graves in 
Nicaragua under VV^alker, and others went to Yucatan, while neatly all remaining 
survivors took part upon one side or the other, in our late civil war, and very many 
of them were lost or disabled The calculations of Mr. Powers ignores all these 
extraordinary chances of destruction to life as well as the other important element 
that e.jters into the formation of the "Carlisle tables," viz. : That all cases of life 
risks are carefully examined by medical experts before they are taken, all those of 
doubtful character being rejected 

In taking volunteers, the Government uses no such sanitary crucible regarding 
longevity. The only question there considered is whether the applicant can 
probably endure the rigors of the pending campaigns. The Secretary then pro- 
ceeds to dissect and dissipate the figures of Mr. Powers as follows: 

"Mr. Powers having concluded to his own satisfaction that one out of two of the 
older wars' men is still alive, proceeds to argue that about three out of four of those 
who returned alive from Mexico are still surviving. Of 66,087 men who escaped 
death in Mexico, but who brought home with them the seeds of malarial disease 
from that torrid zone, there ousjht to be, according, as is alleged, to the Carlisle 
tables, 45,600 of them alive to-day, thirty years (notable for wars and wild ad- 
ventures well calculated to engulf men of their peculiar characteristics) having 
intervened. The process by which Mr. Powers arrived at this result is not stated 
in his argument. He does not, however, make any account of the vast number of 
those men who took part in the late war on both sides of the contest, nor of those 
who found graves in Nicaragua, Cuba, Yucatan, or in exploring the undeveloped 
territory acquired by the war from Mexico. But adding up these two extravagant 
estimates, 30,522 Indian war men and 45,600 Mexican war soldiers, he finds 76,122 
pensioners, at $96 a year, amounting to $7,307,712 to be the annual cost of the bill 
under consideration. 

'Mr. Powers knows, as well as the ten gentlemen, his colleagues, who signed the 
report ot the Invalid Pension Committee, that his calculation is fallacious and 
based on a blundering error of the Pension Office, which was thoroughly exploded 
by the report of the Secretary of the National Association of Mexican Veterans last 
year. 

"The Pension office report referred to stated that the ratio of survivors of 1812 was 
found to be 3 in 8, and gave as the result 40,100 survivors. "Taking this 
estimate," said the Commissioner, "made for the survivors of 1812, as the basis for 
obtaining the number in the Mexican, Florida, and Black Hawk wars (146,613 
soldiers) it is not unreasonable to assume that one-half survive at this date. * * * 
The above estimate gives as surviving over 73,000." Over $7,000,000 a year ! 

" To the av(^yage men^ber ot OoAgress who cannot spare his tiifte in working omX, 



Oy THE VERERANS OF THE MEXICAN WAK. 35 

such problems this calculation would be accepted as fact, coming from one of the 
Executive departments. But a very simple calculation, based on a report of the 
Adjutant General of jNIarch 4, 1850, showing the number of 1812 veterans to be 
471,622, exposes the error. 

"The above aggregate would give us (adopting the simplest method of calculation) 
4,716 companies of 100 men each. The ratio of 3 in 8 is equal to 37^ per cent. 
(The Commissioner said an actual count of two or three companies exceeded this 
percentage, giving 41 to 43 in 100.) Multiplying the 4,716 companies by 37^, we 
have 170. 8od survivors of the war of 1812, instead of 40,100, thus knocking the ratio 
on which he based his calculation into pi, and leaving the superstructure — the 
estimate of Mexican veterans, (k,c. — in the air, without foundation in fact. 

"But what are the facts shown by the statistics published by the officials? There 
have been found 28,548 pensioners, including widows, under' the 1812 act — about 6 
to each of the 4,716 companies of 100 each. Apply this method, proved by vital 
statistics, to the enrolled men of the Indian wars and the Mexican war embraced in 
the bill, stated by the Commissioner to be 146,613, equal to 1,466 companies of 300. 
Multiplying this number by the actual ratio of the 1812 case (six per cent.), and you 
have a total of 8,796 survivors. Double the amount, if you wish to allow for 
difference of time in two cases (which, however, would not be allowed by the Car 
lisle tables), and you have a total of 17,592, or about 4,000 more than the Invalid 
Pension Committee estimate in their report. But if this doubling-up process is 
observed, we must insist upon withdrawing from the aggregate of the commissioner 
above given 12,896 deaths in Mexico, 6,725 desertions, 6,525 pensioners, an-d 13,221 
re-enlistments during the Mexican war, to say nothing of counting in the regular 
;irmy aa a part of the aggregate number in each war. If these deductions are 
observed, and they are recognized by that office as correct, it will suffice to sustain 
the report of the honorable Committee on Invalid Pensions as the reasonable state- 
ment of the case. No more is asked. A. M. KENADAY, 

Sec. Nat. Asan. V. M. W. 



SPEECH OP HON. CHA8. H. JOYCE, OF VERMONT. 



On the 26th of February, 1878, Mr. Joyce, of Vermont, [Republican,] of the 
minority of the Committee on Invalid Pensions announced his opposition to the 
measure, chiefly, for the reasons that the proposed gratuity was in no sense in the 
nature of a valid claim due the soldier from the Government, but was a generous 
beneficence, a reward of merit for patroitism practically demonstrated, as it were, 
that is entirely optional with Government to give or to withhold. The citizen owes 
his Govtrnment his services and even his life when demanded in its defence, and 
when he protfers them, Mr. Joyce holds that he only performs his d\i\y\ the tokens 
ot appreciation coming after, if any, from Government are simply voluntary expres- 
sions of grailude on thp part of their fellow-citizens who did not volunteer to share 
the perils, hardships and privations, incident to war toward those who did. Mr. 
Joyce iugnores all legal obligation, either express or implied, to pension these 
soldiers. He next professes his willingness to show his generosity by pensioning 
such soldiers, provided that none of the benefits may accrue to those who served the Con- 
federacy in, the Late cicil icar. He op[>oses all clauses and sections of the bill K>oking 
toward the making of our ex-Confederate soldiers a beneficiary of the Government 
even for services rendered antecedent to the rebfllion. Service in that cause he 
never will consent to overlook and forgive entirely. Mr. Joyce assents to the cor- 
rectness generally of the figures given by Mr. Powers, as to the probable annual 
cost of this bill to the Treasury. But he could surmount these obstacles in his 
gratitude to the soldier «;lement ot our country were it not for the proposed repeal 
of sections 4,716 and 3,480 of the Revised Statutes, which would permit ex-Con- 
federates to receive the l)enetit of the provisions of this bill. Amended, as he sug- 
gests, the bill "would give a pension to every soldier engaged in either of those 
wars named, excepting only those who afterward engaged in, or aided or abetted 
the rebellion." Mr. Joyce admits the moral obligation ot Government to care for 
disabled soldiers, and for the families of the killed, while he denies any legal or 
vested right of the soldier to claim it. He admits the legal and constitutional right 
of the Liongiess "to restore those even who were dropped from the rolls, and 
pension the rest, but objects to it because it would be unfair and unjust to the 
thousands of Union soldiers, and because it would blot out all distinction between 
the men wuo rebelled and those who remained true to the Govornment." 

These various points were energetically argued and fortified by citations from 



36 At»PENr)IX TO PKOOEEDINGS OF NATIONAL ASSOCIATION 

the opinions of others; and the remainder of Mr. Joyce's remarks embraced a 
powerful appeal in favor of his view as to what would constitute the basis of a 
lasting peace between the North and South. The passage of this Pension bill 
formed no part of that basis. He could forgive the treason, but could not commend 
the traitor. He contended at length that the pensioning for services rendered long 
before the late civil war men who afterward aided the rebellion, even though they 
be pardoned, and poor, and needy, would be granting a premium on treason, while 
our hundreds of thousands of Union soldiers remain unrewarded. The era of peace 
is to begin when Southern people see conciliation through Northern spectacles. 
Then Mr. Joyce will take them all to his embraces. 

[Perhaps the era of conciliation will be reached when a Protective tariff to enrich 
the manufacturing corporations of Vermont is acquiesced in by the ex-Con- 
federates. At least, that appeared to be the burden ot a subsequent speech on the 
tariff question. Mr* Joyce is not a native of Vermont, but perhaps baoes his 
antipathy to the Mexican veterans on the resolutions of his State Legislature during 
the Mexican war. He has recently flooded the State with copies of his speech on 
our bill, and the Boston Herald suggests that it will serve to show his constituents 
what a mistake they have made in sending such a man to represent them.] 



REMARKS OF HON. A.M. SCALES, OP NORTH CAROLINA 



On the 28th of February, the pension bill being under consideration in commit- 
tee of the whole House, Mr. Scales, of North Carolina, replied briefly to the remarks 
of Mr. Joyce. He contended that it was the policy of this government to pension 
its volunteer soldiers. This policy had been adopted for the reason that we kept 
no standing army, except the few regulars necessary to form the nucleus for the 
organization of large volunteer forces in the event of war. It was deemed cheaper 
and better to adopt this policy of rewards than support in idleness large standing 
armies in times of peace, as all the great European powers were obliged to do in 
order that tiiey might be prepared for war. We had saved money by this policy, 
and had also shown the gratitude of the government to those who responded to its 
call in times of need. The wisdom of the policy was vindicated by the prompt re- 
sponses that had always been given by citizens to the calls of government. But has 
the government been equally prompt in the recognition of such services? No! It 
has waited one, two, or three generations before making the acknowledgment of 
service, except to the disabled. The cases covered by this bill are from fit't>-five to 
seventy five years of age. They are fast passing beyond the reach of our aid. They 
will all soon have gone where even our tardy evidences of gratitude will fail to ex- 
cite any responsive emotions, and where our money will fail to purchase for them 
happiness or comfort. If we intend to do anything for these men, we cannot do it 
too soon. 

Are those who served the late confederacy never to participate in the bounties 
and blessings of government? Are they to vote, to pay taxes, to enjoy all the 
burdens of citizenslup, but never more to enjoy theconfldences and share tlie honors 
of government? Not if the gentleman from Vermont (Mr, Joyce) can have his 
way ! He will never consent that any one who served in the Confederacy can be- 
come sutficiently purged and penitent, or can render such patriotic service to this 
government again as to entitle him to become its pensioner. L*'t us rejoice that he 
is no native-born son of Vermont. He is a true scion of old England. The pre- 
dominance of such sentiments in our legislators would raise but small armies in 
case of future wars. H it is to be underscood that no service, however arduous; no 
patriotism, however pure and unselfish, is to work absolution of the past and full 
communion in the blessings of government in the future, there is indeed no induce- 
ment for Southern men to be loyal. 



HON. 0. H. SINNICKSON, OP NEW JERSEY. 



Mr. Sinnickson [Rep.] followed Mr. Scales, and in opposition to the bill. He was 
a member of the Committee on Pensions, and had never, from the inception of this 
bill into the 43d Congress, favored its passage. He did not oppose it upon the 



OP TfiE VfiTERAJfS OF THE MEXICAN WAB 3^ 

ground that more Southern than of i^orthern men might be benefitted by Its provis- 
ions. He did not oppose it because it would repeal section 4,716 of the Revised 
Statutes. We had opened wide the doors of forgiveness to all, and thrust honors 
and oliices upon those who led in the rebellion, and he could not now refuse the 
poor pittance to them who had fought the battles of our country in the days of their 
youth and prime, now that they were old and needy; but he opposed the bill on 
account of expediency; on account of the immense sums involoed and the necessities 
of the people. He opposed it because he believed it wrong in principle, and would 
establish a dangerous precedent; and also because it discriminated unjustly against 
Union soldiers, by rewarding the patriotism of men who served in Mexico, and 
afterwards struck at the existance of the government whose bounty thej'^now seek; 
while it does nothinof for the Union men who fought them for the preservation of 
that trovernment. He thought the estimate of Mr. Powers more likely to be accurate 
thaw those of the committee. 

This was not a debt. Who would pretend to pay for patriotism at $8 per month? 

If it were a debt, he would say, pay it to the last cent. It was not a legal obliga- 
tion. It was a token of appreciation, in addition to regular pay, bounty and sub- 
sistence already given for the service. No amount of mere dollars and cents could 
compcMisate a man for leaving his fireside to peril his life and health andendurethe 
hardships and privations and dangers incident to the soldier's career in time of war. 
And it i< only in war time that our citizens are called upon to volunteer. The idea 
otpai/irig for such sacrifices at $8 per month is degrading; and yet one of the chief 
arguments urged in favor of this bill is that we owe these men this pitiful stipend 
for services rendered. Tliis is all wrong. We pay him for his time, that he may 
have somt^thing for his family, and we subsist and clothe him in the field. We can- 
not pay him for his risks. If he is killed, we take care of his dependants; if he is 
disabled, we take care of him; if he becomes aged, decrepid, poor and needy, we 
pension him in his decliniuir years. We always owe him a nation's gratitude; and 
this i.s a debt which we can never cancel. Like the interest on the national debt of 
Great Hiitaln, it is constantly accruing; but the principal is rarely or never cancelled. 
But there is no precedent for such a bill as this. Our military system is a marvel 
to foreiijners. In tiraesof peace there is nomilitary display! When war comes — the 
whole land bristles with bayonets! Each citizen is at once transformed into a sol- 
dier! and this without the least thought of a future pension. It may be well twenty 
years hence to pass such a bill as this, [n the present exigencies of the country, the 
iieavy taxes, the low prices, the scarcity of employment, the general hard times, it 
would be unwise. 



HON. J. J. DAVIS, OF NORTH CAROLINA. 



Mr. Davis addressed himself first to the debt of gratitude which the people owed 
to the .soldiers in the wars covered by this bill. He held that volunteer soldiers 
were the bulwarks of the government, and declared that if ever the time should 
arrive when the people would not volunteer in the defence of their liberties, then 
would be the time when the country would be ripe for despotism. He regretted 
that even this di.<cussion must take a partisan turn; or what is worse, a sectional 
turn. He wished that this bill might pass unanimously. He wished that the grati- 
tude of the country to these patriotic old soldiers might have free expression unsoiled 
by contact with partisan politics and untinged by the renewal of sectional hate. 
He advocated the repeal of .section 4,71G in order to give effect to the pension acts 
in favor of those pensioners of the war of 1812 and of the Mexican war whose names 
havi^ been dropped from the rolls for aiding or abetting the rebellion. He insisted 
that these old soldiers should not be so severely punished for simply, and in most 
cases, passivi^ly sympathizing with the Confederates, who were their relatives and 
friends when all others had hpeti pardoned and their civil rights fully restored. He 
cited Vattel to prove that punishment of insurgents should be light and equal and uni- 
form, except of the leading spirits who incited the rebellion; that an amnesty granted 
must be fully and scrupulously observed by the ruling power, and that the acts par- 
doned nnist be buried in oblivion, if permanent and eftective peace is to reign in the 
land. The amnesty that restored the active rebels to their full civil rights should 
certainly not continue to deprive the old pensioner of his suspended rights. 

'I'he gentlemen from Maine (Mr. Powers) and from Vermont (Mr. Joyce) are 
largely and entirely in error regarding the numbers whom this bill would pension, 
as well as the cost it would annually involve. Their estimates were partially based 



88 APPENDIX to PitOOEEBINOS OS* NATIONAli ASSOCIATION 

upon an erroneous statement of the Commissioner of Pensions regarding the num- 
ber of survivors of the war of 1812. These would now be over ninety years of age. 
The last census shows tliat there were less than nme tJioiisand men in the whole 
country over ninety. And yet the Commissioner's estimate was for eiu;hteen thous- 
and applicants tVom 1812 survivors, and their widows and dependants. This did 
not indicate any great accuracy in the estimates of the Commissioner. He believed 
the estimates of the committee were reliable, and would be verified by the facts. 
He denied that this law would pension Jefferson Davis. His disabilities had not 
been removed. Until they were, he could never become a a beneficiary under this 
bill. Mr. Davis then reviewed with some severity Mr. Joyce's notions of concilia- 
tion and peace. He did not wish to be continually reminded that he had been de- 
clared in rebellion, and had owed his present position to executive clemency. He 
had no very elevated opinion of that clemency which was always reminding its re- 
cipients of the great obligations they were under to it for present existence. 



HON. HARRY WHITE, OF PENISTSYLVANIx^. 



Hon. Harry White, ofPenn., in a three minute speech, opposed the bill, upon the 
grounds of a new and dangerous departure from the regular pension policy. The 
men were not old enough; they were not hurt enough; they did not serve long 
enough; they were not poor and needy enough and they were not sick enough (for 
were they not still living?) to come within the well-defined pension policy of the 
American Government, Had not those who were disabled already received pensions? 
Had not all the rest been duly paid and honorable discharged ? Had they 
not all, moreover, received land warrants? And, besides, were not many 
of them now among the wealthy and highly honored citizens of the country? Sub- 
mitted, that it is not fair to grant pensions to all these and refuse them to all those 
who bore an honorable part in the great conflict to preserve the Union. 



SPEECH OF HOK C. E. HOOKER, OF MISSISSIPPI. 



Gen. C. E Hooker recited the text of the bill, and then quoted from the report 
of the committee the estimated number of beneficiaries under it as follows: 

Mexican surviving volunteers 6,000 

Widows 1,000 

Regulars surviving 2,700 

Black Hawk soldiers and widows 200 

Creek and Seminole soldiers and widows 3,500 

Total.... ^ 13,400 

At ninety-six dollars per man per annum, these would cost $1,286,400; but this 
aggregate would be constantly decreased by mortality. The total cost to the gov- 
ernment, covering a period of twenty to thirty years in disbursments, entailed by 
this bill, will not exceed eighteen millions of dollars. This will only be two-thirds 
to tln-ee fourths of the annual cost of our present regular army. Can the country 
not well atlbrd to do this for these veteran soldiers in furtherance of the idea that its 
dependance in all great emergencies is upon the promptitude, efficiency, and courage 
of its volunteers? If it could not depend on its volunteers, what would be the 
annual cost of its necessaiy regular army ? Hundreds of millions ! 

Gen. Hooker next turned his attention to some of theassertionsof Mr. Joyce, and 
refuted them by citations from the committee's report. He showed that section 6 
of the bill excluded all from its benefits who labored under the disabilities imposed 
by the fourteenth amendment to the Constitution. This excludes the great leader 
referred to as the ''head and front" of that offending. In reference to those pen- 
sioners formerly on the rolls, but who are suspended by the action of section 4,716, 
Gen. Hooker quotes the decision of the U. S. Supreme Court, ex parte Garland, 4 
Wall, as follows: 



OF THE VETERANS OP THE MEXICAN WAR. 39 

'*A pardon reaches both the punishment prescribed for the offense and the ffnilt 
of the offender, and when the pardon is full, it releases the punishment, and blots 
out of existance the ^uilr, so that in the eye of the law the offender is as innocent 
as if he had never committed tlie offense." 

In Klein's case, 34 Wall 137, the same court said: 

"Pardon includes amnesty. It blots out the offense pardoned, and removes all 
its penal consequences." * * * The President's power of pardon is not subject 
to legislation. Con<riess can neitlier limit the effect of his pardon nor exclude from 
its exercise any class of offender." 

Thus it will be seen that every soldier in the Mexican war—not included in the four- 
teenth amendment — is, by the several acts of general amnesty, and by the special 
pardons «ir inteil, restored, in the opinion of the Supreme Courr, to all his rights as 
a pensioner und»T the government for services rendered in the Mexican warns com- 
pletely and as fully as it there never hnd been a rebellion, and this surely finishes 
the objections of ilie gentleman from Vermont, for it shows that section 4 716 is 
void, and of no effect, if carried to the Supreme Court. As it is. pension agents are 
governed by it, and its operation includes niany widows and orphans of deceased 
soldiers of the Mexican war from their legal rights. Gen. HooKEii denied empha- 
tically that any invidious distinction was made in this bill. Ic tn^ated all alike who 
came wiihin tl-e scope of its provisions. When the time shourd come to pension 
veterans of the late civil war bevond the bounties they iiad already received, and it 
should be proposed to include those veterans who served in the late conf^-deracy in 
its ben« tits, then would be the proper time for the gentleman from Vermont and 
his cojyfreres to raise the cry of invidious distinctions, i^ovv, this cry has no 
pertinence. It is altogether out of place 

The Treasury now holds $34,000 000 worth of captured property belonging to the 
Southern pardoned claimanis, but tor vvliich payment is refused. It'also holds $60 000,- 
000 of unconstitutionally collected cotton tax that Congress refuses to refund to the 
Southern people, from whose poverty it was wrung in dark hours of defeat and dis- 
franchisement. And yet we are told that this great nation i^ too poor ro grant the 
pittance required by this bill to a few old soldieis, a minority of whom belong in 
the Southern section which has been thus despoiled. When shall we be richer? 
"When shall we be rich enough to do justice? It is upon this floor, and in this hall, 
and here only, that we hear the plea of poverty wh(;n called upon to pay just claims. 
The people do not complain of being taxed to pay what they justly owe. 



HOK WM. WALSH, OF MARYLAND. 



Mr. Walsh [Democrat] devoted his ten minutes to the dissipation of the fallacy 
under which Mr. McGowan labored as to the character of the pensions withheld 
under section 4 716. Pen.>-ions are of two classes: those from disabdities arising 
from the service was a debt accruing from the nature of the contract made and 
entered into by enlistment. Those for old age in acknowledgment of services ren- 
dered long before were a gratuity. Tlie forn>er were claimed, as proposed in this 
bill, by virtue of the seventh section of the act declaring war with Mexico, to the 
effect that volunteers disabled in the service during that war should be entitled to 
all the benefits that might be conferred upon any other persons in the service. 
Suppose these men forfeited their rights wljen they rebelled, they have been par- 
doned, and their rights restored. Section 4 716 is unconstitutional, and should be 
repealed so as no longer to obstruct ministerial action in the departments. Kow 
while it operates, its effect is to make two hundred old disabled soldiers of the Mex- 
ican war bear the entire odium of the great rebellion. 



SPEECH OF HON. H. Y. RIDDLE, OF TENNESSEE. 



Mr. Riddle regretted the sectional turn the discussion of the bill had taken. The 
days of reconstruction and rehabilitation were, or should be, over, and when over 
ttl6ir§l4Qst8 should not appear to demoralise aU oiv (iiaoussiofls gr ^ it\ie<jte^ i^^ 



40 APPENDIX TO PR00EKDING8 OP NATIONAL ASSOCIATION 

the operation of every piece of proposed legislation. Mr. Riddle then passed in 
review the results of the self-sacrificing services of these war-worn veterans in the 
defence of the pioneers of the extreme Southern States and of the Northwest, the 
acquisition of tlie splendid mineral and agricultural territory, sufficient to constitute 
fifteen of the largest States in the Union, that had opened up the grand highway to 
China and Japan and conducted their commerce into the lap of American civiliza- 
tion; that had added nearly two tliousand milhons to the metallic currency of the 
world, and thus impelled our sails on every sea on the habitable globe. It is pro- 
posed that we cannot afford to pension these veterans. Are we, then, a nation of 
ingrates, misers, or of spendthrifts, that we cannot afford two millions per annum 
to pay a debt of gratitude to these old patriots? By the annual reportof the Secre- 
tary of tlie Treasury, it appears that the public debt was reduced the last liscal year, 
notwithstanding our pinclnng poverty and the onerous burdens of our tax-payers, 
over two hundred and twenty-one millions. And this was done in defiance of law. 
It was done to enhance the value of securities of the foreign bondholder, which are 
now largely above par. And yet we are too poor to pay our old pensioners a 
couple of millions per annum or to continue our public works for the benefit of our 
idle laborers and our paralyzed industries. He proposed to suspend the operation 
of the sinking fund law of February, 1862, for a period, and utilize the funds (or the 
payment of old soldiei's' pensions and the just claims of the government that had 
never yet reached the shape of bonds, but which were not one whit the less binding. 
There is no prodigality in the passage of this bill. In cases like this, liberality is 
true economy, and parsimony is the wildest extravagance. Let it be remembered 
that where virtue and valor receives the highest rewards, there the truest and noblest 
patriots are always to be fouad. Let us gladden the hearts of the veterans of all 
the wars enumerated in this bill by its prompt passage by a triumphant majority. 



HON. OTHO R. SINGLETON, OF MISSISSIPPI. 



Mr. Singleton, who followed Mr. Eiddle, devoted his attention chiefly to the 
the sectional aspect that some had endeavored to give to this debate, and to the 
allusion that had been made to the distinguished citizen of his State (Jefferson 
Davis) whose name, he said, he always delighted to mention, altliougn he knew ic 
was under the ban of public sentiment in certain sections of the country. It was 
feared that Jefferson Davis would at some time become a beneficiary under this bill. 
Mr. Davis resigned his seat in this House to accept the command of the 1st Mississippi 
regiment in the Mexican war, and he fought bravely from Monterey to Buena Vista, 
and came home on crutches, and he bears to-day the honorable scars lie received in 
defence of the flag of his country. We are told of his latter rebellion, and are 
twitted of the great magnanimity that has been shown him {vide the manacles of Fort- 
ress Monroe), it is called unparalleled. Look at Count Andrds&y , preinier of 
Austria, who rebelled with Hungary in 1846, and was even condemned to die for his 
treason. Twenty years later he became Prime Minister, the position he now holds. 
Now, although thirteen years has passed since the end of our war, amnesty is still 
refused to Mr. Davis by this magnanimous Congress But so far as Mr. Davis is 
concerned, he is pursuing quietly his business in life. He would have read at the 
clerk's desk a letter he had received from Mr. Davis in order to show the magnani- 
mity ot the man. He would say that Mr. Davis held that his first allegiance was 
due his Stale, and when that receded — although in opposition to his wishes and 
judgment — he resigned his seat in the Senate to follow its fortunes and to obey its 
commands. He differed from its Governor and a majority of its Congressional del- 
egation, and there was a chapter of unwritten history in regard to this matter, which 
he would detail, if he had time, that would lighten up the reputation of Mr. Davis 
in the Northern mind; but here is the letter: 

Mississippi City, 1878 

Dear Sir : I am quite unwilling that personal objections to me by members of 
Congress should defeat the proposed measure to grant pensions to the veterans of 
the war against Mexico, therefore request and authorize you, should the fate of the 
bill depend upon excluding me from its benefits, in my behalf, to ask my friends 
and the friends of the measure silently to allow a provision for my exclusion from 
the benefits of the bill to be inserted in it. From other sources you will have 
learned that not a few of those who then periled their lives for their country are 
ftow ^ indigent m^ infirm as to require relief, and it would be to me sorrowful. 



OF THE VETERANS OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 41 

indeed, if ray comrades in that war should suffer deprivations because of their asso- 
ciation wltli me. 

While on this subject I will mention that it did not require a law to entitle me to 
be put on the list of pensioners but the rather requires lej^al prohibition to de- 
prive me of that rig^ht. As an officer regularly mustered into the military service 
of the United .States, and while serving as such, 1 was "severely wounded'' in battle 
and could, under laws then existing, have applied for and received a pension. My 
circumstances did not require pecuniary relief from the Government, and I did not 
make tlie requisite application, therefore my name has never been upon the roll of 
pensioners, and offers no obstruction to the restoration of those names which have 
been stricken from it. 

Respectfully and truly yours, 

JEFFERSON DAVIS. 

Hon. O. R. Singleton. 

It will be seen that Mr. Davis could long ago have been a pensioner under the 
law, but that he not only never caused his name to be enrolled, but that he now 
with characteristic self-abnegation, demands that he be expressly excepted by 
lerms from the benefits of this bill rather than suffer its passage to be inhibited or 
endangered. The unwritten chapter in history shows that when the Secession 
Convention of South Carolina was in session tlie Governor of Mississippi called a 
cotifercuce of tlie Congressional delegation of the State at Jackson to determine 
what should be the proper tftate action. The Governor and a majority of the dele- 
gation favored immediate secession following the lead of South Carolina. Mr. 
Davis opposed this and favored correspondence among the Governors of the 
dillerent Southern States to obtain uniformity of views and action, and if possible 
arrive at an amicable adjustment of national difficulties. If such conclusion were 
found impracticable, then to arrange for the simultaneous secession of all the 
Southern States at a given day and hour, with a view to harmonious action in the 
future. He did not think success would attend separate State action. He was 
overruled and bowed to the will of the majority. The rest is known. His conduct 
needs no apology or eulogy fiom me. 



8PEECH OF HON. J. N. WILLIAMS, OF ALABAMA. 



In debate in Committee of the Whole, March 1, Mr. Williams, of Alabama, 
advoc:ite(l pensions to the soldiers in the Creek war most eloquently, portraying 
the perils of the service which they rendered, and the anxieties they sufiered on 
account of the exposed condition of their property and families during their 
absence. This service was more perilous and arduous than any other, and he could 
not see why it did not demand a pension equally with any ot.ier. His District was 
the scene of this Creek war. The Alabama settler who served in it went at the 
call of the Government just as much as did the soldiers of the war of 1812. They 
obeyt^d the orders of the common commander. They were supplied from 
Go\vrnment stores. They were paid by Govermnent Paymasters and discharged 
by Government mustering officers. When they left home, it was not to war with 
civilized troops who were a guaranty for humane treatment of prisoners, and 
.scientific surgical attendance upon the wounded, bat it was to leave house, wife 
and little ones at home exposed to the torch, tomahawk and scalping knife of a 
savage foe, and to face his treacherous warfare with the certainty of tortin-e and 
stake in case of capture. No service cm compare with it for terror to a man of 
family and of atf.'ction. These men are now nearly seventy, and can be but few. 
One description of Indian warfare will suffice for all. The soldiers in the Black 
Hawk and Seminole wars faced the same dangers that I have described. Let us 
show our grateful appreciation of their valor before it is too late. I say to the 
gentleman from Maine, (Mr, Powers,) that section has naught to do in this matter. 
It is a moral obligation of such a sacred character that it transcends all mere legal 
requirements. It is a testimonial to these aged men of their youthful valor and 
patriotism of surpassing value, and sweeter far than any other notice that Congress 
could take of them. 

Of the Mexican veterans what need I say, when we have daily, hourly, and 
momentarily in communication with us a Golden Empire, and in this hall a dozen 
Representatives from the lands which are the fruits of their valor? Let the 



42 APPENDIX TO PKOCEEDINGS OF NATIONAL ASSOCIATION 

thonsands of millions of treasures and the variety and abundance of agricultural 
products which constantly visit us by way of iron rails, attei«t the importance of 
those services, and shame us into making the proper acknowledgment. 



HON. RICHARD WILLIAMS, OF OREGON. 



This gentleman representing a district largely a sufferer from Indian hostilities 
and a constituency ruany of whom can fully appreciate the dangers incident to 
Indian warfare, wished to state in (he tive minutes allowed him tlie reason why he 
should vote against the bill. He conceded that it was part of the contractof enlist- 
ment to pension aged, infirm and disabled soldiers. But this contract had been 
filled, and some had forfeited their rights under it, which caused the passage of 
section 4,716. He could not vot ' to pension those not obnoxious to section 4,716 
without pensioning those disqualified by it also. He believed there were good and 
sufficient reasons for the passage of that section when it v/as enacted, and nothing 
had occurred since that would, in his opinioti, justify its repeal. He could not vote 
tne repeal of this section as a distinct propositioii, for that reason he would vote 
against the bill as an entirety. 



HON. TPIOMAS RYAN, OF KANSAS. 



Mr. Ryan had also but five minutes, and simply wislied to explain his vote. He 
could vote the pensions to those Mexican veterans who had remained loyal. He 
could make no such invidious distinction against the loyal men who fought to pre- 
serve the government as he thought lie saw in this bill. He could not indorse the 
principle which proposed to reward the patriotism which thirty years ago fought for 
this government against Mexico; and yet was not so strong but that sixteen years 
ago it could turn and place its hand upon the throat of the government for which 
it then fought. Nor could he indorse the principle and vote to establish the prece- 
dent of pensioning all soldiers who served thirty days in the Indian wars. Practi- 
cally this would include all the surviving early pioneers of the North West. The 
service was perilous and patriotic, but it was an incident to frontier life which none 
could escape, He must vote against the bill, 



HON. JOHN GOODE, OF VIRGINIA. 



On the 25th of February, at the conclusion of the speech of Mr. Joyce, of Ver- 
mont, in opposition to tlie pension bill, Mr. Goods obtained fifteen minutes from 
the time of Mr. Davis, of N. C, in which to briefiy reply to the bitterness 
of Mr. Joyce. He understood that gentleman objected to the bill because some of 
its beneficicuies had served the Confederacy. "VVill this cruel war never be over?" 
But even this ground slips from under the gentleman throitgh the general amnesty 
proclamation of 1868 and the decision of the Supreme Court defining the meaning, 
force and efl'ect of pardons. The war ceased in the field thirteen years ago. Will 
it never cease in these halls, in columns of the political press, and on the hustings? 
The Mexican veterans pay their taxes, bear their proportionof government burdens 
and are good citizens. If the country should ever again need their services, they 
would be found respondmg'with the same alacrity that they did in 1846. Many of 
these men, by the vicissitudes of fortune, had been reduced to penury. Our coun- 
try has been enlarged and greatly enriched by their valor, and as yet we have never 
given them a penny beyond their pay and bounty lands No token of their bravery, 
no recognition of their patriotism, no insignia of honor, has ever been recorded in 
their favor on the annals of Congress. Two thousand millions of the precious 
paetals ha^^ t>e§A t^ken frpm the bowels o| the earth of that conquest, yntold 



Oi* THE VETEKANS OF THE MEXICAN WAK. 43 

Wealth of agriculture is harvested in each succeediiiij year from the limitless acres 
of this domain, and the whole commerce of the Indies awaits only the invitation of 
renewed prosperity to fall into the embraces of our people by waj' of our Mexican 
acquisitions. And yet nvc hear that we are too poor to add a paltry two million to 
our pension li.«t as a f>lijj;ht token of recognition of the unseltish and patriotic ser- 
vices which brought u>i this threat wealth. They had aright to this recognition. 
They had a right to exi)t'Ct it from the well-settled policy of our government, when 
they left home and families and periled health and life in the country's service. 
Our government is dependent upon our volunteer soldiery when involved in war. 
There is no otiier country on the globe whose citizens are so readily convertible in 
soldiers and vice versa when the exigency has passed away. We have all seen large 
armies leap forth at the bugle call to defend their country and quietly relapse into 
tijeir origin:il elements when their services wert* no longer needed. A* a matter of 
mere policy, then, to say nothing of gratitude, it would be a wise and salutary 
measure to pass this bill ami thereby to encourage our citizen soldiers to volunteer 
their services in times of public peril. 



HON. P. C. HAYES, OF ILLINOIS. 



On the r2th of March, the Life-saving bill being under consideration, Mr. Hayes 
spoke at length in opposition to the pensions of the .soldiers of the Indian and Mex- 
ican wars on tlie narrow ground that the passage of the proposed bill made no dis- 
tinction between loyalty and treason. He thought the main object of the friends 
of the bill was to tret, through its enactment into a law, the declaration from Con- 
gress that treason is not a crime. If this bill is passed, who shall dare to say that 
treason has not been made respectable? There was a hidden object under all the 
pretended sympathj" of th ' other sidi; of the House for the poor soldier. It was too 
patent to deceive him and his friends. The real motive was to secure, by a law of 
the nation, the recognition of the principle that the traitor shall be considered in 
ev<'ry respeci. the equal of the patriot. But for this motive we should not have been 
called to vote on this bill at the present moment. The chief supporters of this bill 
care but little for tlie veteran sold ers compared with their desire for this legal de- 
claration of the principle for which they have fought so long and so persistently. 
The superior vision of Mr. Hayes enabled him to scan and unmask the liidden mo- 
tives of the arch-c >nspirators in season to warn those loyal members, who were just 
as patriotic, tliough less suspicious or less astute than himself, and they would not 
now be hoodwinked into the support of this iniquity. He ignored pardons and acts 
removing di.^al»ilities as of no ellVct vvitli him — "Once a traitor, always a traitor." 
The decisions of the Supreme Court are a mere "will-o'-the-wisp.'" A pardon may 
permit a traitor to exercise tl»e franchise, may restore to him all political and prop- 
erty rights for the future on an equality with the loyalist, but gives him no les;al 
status as to past contracts These obligations of the government to its old soldiers 
were all blotted out, and can never properly be renewed by the pardon of the Exe 
cutive, the decision of tlie Supreme Court, or the removal of disabilities by Congress, 
in accordance with the Fourteenth Amendment. He not only held that treason 
was a crime, but appeared to think it was a crime th^t no amount of pardon and 
amnesty could wipe out in an old J^oldier, however much it might cleanse all others. 
It may give seats to ex-rebels in \\\\> hall and in the Senate; we may even pass acts 
removing their di.sabiliries i)urposly to allow them to take seats here after they have 
been chosen in dehance of these disabilities; but to repeal an unconsiitutional act 
which «lebars an old soldier, pardoned though he has been, from drawing his pen- 
biou — to this he never could consent. 



HOxN. THOMAS TURNER, OF KENTUCKY. 



On the 29th of May, Mr. Tinner, who served the Federal Government both in 
the M xican war and in the war for the suppression of the late rebellion, devoted 
a few moments to an empi.atic dissent from tlie views expressed by Messrs 
Joyce, of Vermont, and Hayes, of Illinois. He spoke of the chivalrous coiidac 



44 APPENDIX TO PROOEEDINQS OP NATIONAL ASSOOIATIOM 

of the oliicers of King- Alfonso's Army recently in Spain toward those who had 
preferred Don Carlos', when they had insisted that the latter, after having laid 
down their arms, should be restored again to their old rank and positions in the 
regular Army of the King, and lamented that the proverbially vindictive Spaniard 
should surpass the Union soldier of the North in true chivalry ! ""'Let it not be 
said that the American people are less generous, or that they have less of genuine 
Christian charity" than the Spaniards! Let no one from political or personal 
motives keep alive the passions of the war, or by fanning the embers of sectional 
hatred for political or partisan eftect subject our whole people to the charge of 
vindictive malignity. Biave Union soldiers will not approve such one-sided 
legislation, nor will they accept for themselves the benefits of an act whose pro- 
visions exclude one portion of their comrades from participation ih them because 
of subsequent ditterences of opinion. He wished that the bitter memories of our 
civil war could be forever buried in oblivion, and that we could only remember the 
noble acts and gallant deeds of both armies. Ali were Americans even then, and 
now all were again citizens of the same American Union. We should now realize 
the importance of looking to the future instead of the past. 



HON. 0. H. BROGDEN, OF NORTH CAROLINA, 



Governor Brogden, of North Carolina, [Republican,] advocated the bill in an 
eloquent address to the Committee of the Whole, February 27, 1878 He passed 
in graphic review the principal biilliant exploits of soldiers in the Mexican War, 
and glanced at the stupendous acquisitions of t<^rritory as one of its resuUs. He 
also paid a glowing tribute to the gallantry of some of the more prominent of the 
leading spirits, whose names are honorably enshrined in history, but whose spirits 
have gone to a higher life, where they will be certainly rewarded according to 
their deeds, and where they will be subject to no misconstruction of motives of 
action. Let us not forget these Mexican veterans who thirty years ago performed 
those deeds of gallantry which made our greatness of to-day possible. We have 
expended millions of treasure upon the development of the natural resources of 
these acquisitions with scarcely a moment's consideration, and let us now, as these 
old soldiers are fast disappearing from the field of active life, when many of them 
are old and decrepid, from the sufterings of those very Mexican campaigns, deal out 
our acknowledgments of their important services. Tardy, though it be. let it be 
done before it is too late for their acceptance. Let equal and impartial justice be 
done to all alike. Those who may have served in the rebellion or sympathized 
with it, were pardoned in the general amnesty of President Johnson in 1868, and 
were thus restored to all their original, political and property rights. liCt there 
now, therefore, be no distinctions made in this bill I If pardon and amnesty 
means the blotting out of the offense, and restoring the record to its original 
pristine purity, let us not by any action of ours ten years later insert anything in 
this act to raise invidious distinctions or restore criminations or recriminations of 
the ijast. But, above all, let us not subject ourselves to the disgrace of selecting 
those old soldiers of the wars of 1812 and of Mexico, as the only victims of the late 
rebellion, as the only persons who by act of Congress are barred from the rights 
and privileges and immunities of citizenship supposed to be restored by a full and 
free pardon of past offenses. 



ISPEEOH OF GOV. J. W. THROCKMORTON, OF TEXAS. 



On March 25, Gov. Throckmorton, of Texas, delivered his views upon our 
pension bill in a brief speech of remarkable power. He favored the granting of 
pensions, because in "•free governments the safety of the State emphatically rests 
upon the patriotism of the citizen." In the earlier stages of the life of a nation, 
the patriotism of the patriarchs is equal to its protection and defense. So it has 
been in this coimtry heretofore. In the wars of the Revolution and of 1812, the 
war with Mexico and our Indian wars, volunteers have joined our standards with 
all the ardor and alacrity of a frontiersman in defense of his cabin. But we have 



OP THE VETERANS OP THfi MEXICAN WABt. 46 

reached a period in our national history when our action tipon measures tike tlie present 
derives its importance from its prospective rather than its immediate effects. " The 
passage of tliis law will tix the "policy of tlie Government in dealing with the 
heroic men who may stand in its defense when danger threatens; a policy that 
shall give such expression to the public estimate of heroic service as will always 
supply a present and sufficient motive to tlie citizen for patriotic action upon every 
occasion of public peril." He elaborated the importance of the bill from this 
elevated standpoint, discarding all minor and sectional views as unworthy the 
occasion. He believed the estimated number of beneficiaries, and consequent 
annual tax upon the Treasury were exaggerated. He did not consider that due 
strength had been given to the great mortality among the Mexican veterans since 
the close of that war, while he also believed that too large a proportion of the 
survivors had been accorded to the South by the opponents of the bill. But he 
opposed any discrimination on account of participation in the late civil war as 
foreign to the genius of our institutions, and opposed to the policy of our Govern- 
uu'iit. He hold that our late civil war wa: an anomaly in such contests. While 
some miijht hold that rebellion to be technical treason to the Federal Government, 
yetthe powers of that Government had never before been so well detined as to justify 
the opinion that there was no room for the honest belief in the supremacy of State 
Sovereignty over the citizen. The great majority of the men of the South believed 
their lirst allegiance due to their State, and they fought for its supremacy 
under its orders. The majority in the North, on the contrary, believed that the 
tirst allegiance was due to the Federal Government, that this principle was neces- 
sary to the unity and strength of the country, and they fought accordingly for the 
permanent establishment of that principle in the Government. This was all there 
was at issue There was no question involved as to the superiority of Republican 
institutions or a Democratic form of government. The war over, and the question 
determined by the arbitrament of the sword, there was no attaint wrought which a 
general pardon could not cure. He deprecated crimination and recrimination of 
the past a^ irritating and exciting to the passions, when the judgment and reason 
only shoidd be invoked. If the war involved only a dispute as to the powers 
claimed as belonging to the central government and not any treason to the country 
itself, why should the otlensive epithets of rebel and traitor still bt; thrown up at 
the discomtiLed on every conceivable occasion. Those who could flight so bravely 
and desperately for thcr honest convictions and opinions are entitled to the respect 
of each other. Open questions have been finally settled. The relative powers of 
the general and local governments have been more clearly detined. Systems of 
lal)or have been elevated and harmonized. We are prepared for a stronger and 
more generous civilization, and a more rapid progress than ever heretofore. We 
know our resources and capabilities better than ever before, and if we shall only 
exercise the prudence and forbearance requisite to their proper utilization, we may 
soon challengi^ the world for strength, wealth and grandeur. The men of 1846, 
from all sections, stood tirmly shoulder to shoulder for the whole country, and now 
let the whole country properly acknowledge those services without sectional dis- 
criminations. 



HON. GOLDSMITH S. HEWITT, OF ALABAMA, 



Mr. Hewitt, in charge of our bill, on the first of April made a most eloquent anri 
able speecli in favor of the bill. He passed in review all the arguments that had 
been presented in opposition to the measure during the debate, paying particular 
attention to those of Messrs. Powers, of Maine, and Sinnickson, of New Jersey. 
He said their cry was the samo that had always been presented against pensions— 
that they were bad precedents— opened new doors, &c. It was raised in 1818, in 
lb32. and in 1871. He would give them the same answer given then. It embraced 
no new principles; it established no new precedents; it opened no new door. The 
principle was e.stablished in 1818, extended in 1832, confirmed in 1871, and re- 
affirmed by the present Congress. The system was not only adopted many years 
since, but there was no tax which the people paid with greater pleasure. The act 
of 1818, pensioned solders averaging sixty; the Black Hawk war was 46 years ago, 
audits surviving soldiers average 65 years, while the Mexican war was 3 1 years 
ago, and its soldiers now living average 56. So that the aggregate average of 
soldiers covered by this bill will be over sixty-five years. If the Kevolutionary 



46 APPENEIX TO PROCEEDINGS OP NATIONAL ASSOCIATION 

sofdiers had been earlier pensioned they would have simply taxed themselves to 
pay their own pensions, for nearly all the able-bodied men in the country were in 
that war; but by waiting 35 years the succeednig generations who were reapi'ig 
the benefits of the war bore the burden of the tax. But the Mexican war was on'-a 
foreign soil, and was participated in by a small proportion only of the whole 
military force in the country, The acquisition of territory and treasure were large, 
and all alike participated in the?e benefits. So there is no analogy between 
these pensioners and those of the Revolution on this ground. There is no reason 
why the Mexican veterans sliould wait longer before those who staid at home and 
shunned the privations of this foreign war should tender their acknowledgment tor 
this service. A few of our citizens bore all the perils of the Mexican war for the 
good of the whole world, and the whole world has been largely benefited by the 
developments of treasure which have resulted from it. Mr. Hewitt eloquently 
repudiated tlie idea of a ''pauper pension-roll," as snjjgested by gentlemen from 
Maine and New Jersey, and quoted from Frelinghu ysen , Webster, Foot, and 
others, to show that formerly people of the same States denounced such humiliation 
of old soldiers. The pension was a gratuity in acknowledgment of patriotic acts 
voluntarily performed long before and was to be considered as a i^ort of annual 
incense offered by a grateful people as a sacrifice upon the altar of patriotism. 

Mr. Hewitt carefully and at length reviewed the figures and estimates as to 
number, and triumphantly vindicated the correctness of the report of the commit- 
tee. He also showed conclusively that the general amnesty and pardon blotted 
out the oflense, pardoned and restored to the offender all political and property 
rights, so that the repeal of section 4,716 was fully required in justice to amnestied 
pensioners who had been stricken from the rolls. He uttered a most just and 
scathing criticism upon the conduct of the Commissioner of Pensions for furnishing 
to members of Congress false and deceptive information to aid in defeating this 
bill. Mr. Hewitt's speech was a most exhaustive and conclusive defense of 
the bill, and exposition of the justice and fairness of its provisions as well 
as a complete refutation of the arguments and allegations made against it by 
its opponents. 

In conclusion he said: "Public opinion has decided in favor of this measure, and 
you cannot, you dare not resist it The people, before whose will we should all 
bow, demand the measure shall pass. Can any man doubt, the fact? Look at the 
instructions of State legislatures: Pennsylvania, Ohio, Illinois, Indiana, Texas, 
Wisconsin, North Carolina, Minnesota, California, Virginia, Maryland, Alabama, 
Louisiana, Mississippi. Oregon, Nevada, I'ennessee, and Kentucky have all requested 
their representatives to vote for this measure. There is no mistake in this; it speaks 
but the voice of the people and the Representative who fails to heed it will be called 
before the bar of public opinion, when he returns to his constituents, togive a strict 
account of his refusal to obey their will. Can you refuse the request of these twelve 
thousand old crippled soldiers? If you do, I shall feel humbled for my country." 



REVIEW OF THE SPEECHES. 



Mr. Burchard [Rep.] of Illinois, opposed the bill because of the "hard times," 
mainly. Mr. Martin I. Townsend LRep.] of New York, would have liked to favor 
the bill, because Gen. John E. Wool was a fellow-townsman of his, and he greatly 
admired Gen. Wool, but he was restrained from so doing by the impossibility of 
the resources of the country being equal to the emergency. The bill would cost 
seven millions annually, he thought. Mr. McGowan, of Michigan, [Rep..] also 
endorsed Mr. Powers' estimate of the number of survivors, and opposed the idea 
that a soldier has a vested right in a pension. The synopsis prepared of the above 
speeches has been crowded out. 

In reviewing the foregoing speeches, the entire arguments against the passage of 
the bill can be summed up in three words :—i/i^ra^i7M(^e— Suspicion— POVERTY. 
They consist of ingratitude on the part of the nation to the few brave and patriotic 
spirits who promptly rushed to its defence, and ''conquered a peace" at the same 
moment that they acquired a territory eqaal in extent and wealth to an empire:— of 
suspicion, that the few of those surviving soldiers, who may become beneticiariea, 



OF THE VETERANS OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 47 

who afterwards served in the Confederate army, are not now sufficiently loyal to be 
ent -listed with eight dollars per month in the shape of a pension; and ofthepoverty 
of a great nation of rtfty millions of people who, having had thonsands of millions 
added to their wealtli by the patriotic ardor of a handful of their fellows, thirty-one 
years ago, are now too poor to pay a, per capita tax of four cents per annum in 
recognition of such valuable services. 

Is not tliis a charining picture? Is it not an edifying illustration of the gratitude 
of Republics? But let us not do injustice to Congress! There were really but two 
or tlu'ee gentlemen who based their opposition to our billon the ground of poverty, 
and we know that their people at home will not sustain them upon any such grounds. 
Four cents per capita tax on fifty millions of population will yield two millions, and 
the best estimates of the cost of this bill are less than one-and-a-half millions annu- 
ally at the tirst, which sum will constantly be decreased by deaths. The idea that 
the country will cUiim that it is too poor to stand this is preposterous. 

The plea that a few ex-Confederates will be bonetitted, is in contravention to 
all n'ason anel practice in other matters. Ex-Confederates have been fully restored 
to their political and property rights, with but, a few exceptions, and those excep- 
tions are especially debarred in terms from the benefits to he conferred by this bill. 
\Vhy shoul 1 a distinction be made here to the prejudice of tbc old soldier? Why 
disci iminate against the men, now far past the meridian of life, who thirty-two 
y^ars ago sprang into the breach in defence of the nation's honor; carried their 
lives in th r hunds to tropical and inhospitable climes, when all other participants 
in the late rebellion, of all cUsscs, conditions, and ages, are in constant and contin- 
uous receipt of tlie pay and emoluments of place from the common treasury? There 
is no analogy between these soldiers and those who simply served in the war for 
the Union. This proposed pension is in nosense a discrimination against the Union 
soldier; for the time lias not arrived yet to discuss the question of gratuitous pen- 
sions to the soldiers of the civil war. When that time comes, no doubt the next 
generation will settle it wisely. Meanwhile, is it not time that we should cease to 
twit each other with being and having been "Johnnies" and ''Yanks" in Congress 
and in the press, if we ever intend to become a great, united and harmonious coun- 
try? Should we not stop legislating for sections andalas--es andco-operate in mak- 
ing laws for the good of the whole? Should we not seek to impute the best of 
motives to each anil all for their action in that spirit of charity which claims purity 
for self-conduct ? What kind of spirit must possess and actuate those men who 
would debar the old soldier, a7id only himy from participation in civil rights because 
of sympathy with the rebellion? iiow many votes will such a stand gain for them 
in their efforts for re-election? Not one! 

Jn regard to the ingratitude of those who oppose this bill because the time has not 
yei ariived for gratuitous pensions to soldiers in the Mexican war, but little need be 
said. Those who used such an argument are no doubt heartily ashamed of it before 
now. It was triumphantly confuted b}' several of the advocates of the measure. 
The second generation of successors to those who fought th3 Mexican war now 
occupy the field of HCtion, and they are willing to bear their shaie of expenses 
attaching to the acquisition of the vast golden empire of the Pacific Coast. They 
do not even ask ''further time." They see no real analogy between this bill and 
those pensioning the soldiers of the revolution and the war of 1812, because in the 
latter wars the whole available force of the country was drawn forth, and pensions 
for them would hnve been simply taxi.ig one's self to pension one's self; hence the 
policy and ailvantage of waiting until two or three nevv generations of tax-payera 
eouki participate in the burdens. But in the Mexican war, only a faction of a 
tithe of the available volunteer force of the country was engaged, and it was no 
more thin proper that those who remained at home shoidd pay the expenses imme- 
diately growing out of the war; but that their children and children's children, who 
are reaping the innnense benefits accruing from the conquests of that war, should 
also willingly bear the additional burdens appertaining to the proposed :?ubstantial 
recognition of those patriotic services. In looking the whole subject over, it is dif- 
ficult to see any good substantial ground for any opposition to this bill, and it is 
believed that a full and square vote in either House of Congress will- result in its 
triumphant passage. The true Anierican regards the pension law as a just tribute 
to patriotic valor, and views it astheFrench people did the CORDON OF the Legion 
OF Honor, and Hewitt, of Alabama, deserves the thanks of every pensioner in 
spurning the insinuation o| Powers and Sinnickson that it is a pauper roll of de^ 
pendants. 



48 APPENDIX TO PROOEKDINOS OF NATIONAL AS80C3IATION 

THE PRESENT OUTLOOK— FAVORABLE PROSPECT FOR 

NEXT WINTER. 



The Secretary invites the attention of comrades to the petition presented to Con- 
gress during last session, printed on page 10, and to the list of bills presented by 
members of Congress, (page 14) showing the largenuraber of influential friends vvho 
have espoused our cause, and also to the admirable speeches delivered in favor of 
the bill submitted by the House committee briefly epitomized on page 31 et seq. On 
the 17th of January last, Hon G. W. Hewitt submitted on behalf of the comnittee 
an elaborate report covering our prayer, which now stands at the head of the cal- 
endar, and will probably be disposed of with some amendments as soon as the 
House goes into Committee of ttie whole. Mr. Hewitt informed tlie secretary, dur- 
ing the last hours of the session, that if he pressed the question at that time to a 
vote, it might pass ihe House, but could not pass the Senate before adjournment; 
the friends of the bill in the House advised, therefore, postponement until next 
winter, when it will doubtless pass the House by a much larger majority than it 
would have received before the Congressional elections take place tiiis fall. The 
opposition has been of a partisan character, and it is confidently hoped that all 
sectional feelings will disappear when the question comes up next winter on its 
merits. In the Senate, wh feel confident the bill coming from the House will be 
favorably considered. It will be seen elsewhere in the proceedings that twenty 
States have instructed their Senators to vote for the proposed pension by resolutions 
of their respective legislatures, and Senator Voorhees, of Indiana, to whom our 
petition has been referred in the Senate Pension Committee, has expressed his belief 
that our bill will be reported by a majority of that committee, and will probably pass 
the Senate. 

PASSAGE OF PENSION BILL OF WAR OF 1812. 

In the Senate, February 20th, the bill amending the act pensioning the soldiers of 
1812 so as to include 'all who served in that war a period of fourteen days, or who 
were in any engagement, was passed with a provision also restoring those who had 
been stricken from the rolls for participating in the rebellion excepting only that 
they should not be paid for the lime in which their names remained ofl" the rolls. 
It will be seen that all the principles contended for in our bill are conceded in this 
act pensioning the soldiers of 1812. Its passage was opposed by only eight recorded 
Kays. 



The Pennsylvania Fiasco — The legislature of Pennsylvania last winter 
passed a resoluliou instructing their Senators and requesting their representatives 
in Congress to vote for our pension bill; but notwithstanding this, 15 out of 17 Re- 
publicaii representatives from that State voied agjainst taking the bill up. The State 
Legislature thereupon passed a pension bill of $8 a month for all the survivors who 
went to Mexico from that State; but Gov. Hanranft vetoed the bill, and the Penn- 
sylvania survivors will have to await tlie action of Congress. 



DP DFLOSIX»EJOTXJS 

or A 

Histoiy of tke MaiieftiW « 

IT l.S WKLI. TTNDKKSTOOl). THAT THE PRIMARY OBJECT HAD IN VIEW IN OR- 
;fiini/ingTlu' •" National Association of Veterans of the Mexican War," was to obtain from 
< On^'rcss a reoo;rnition of the fact, that the men who responded to the call of the Chief Miigis- 
traie in 1S48, and risked life and health in the public service, were entitled to the honor to be 
)>laced in their derlininjr years on the j)ension rolls of the eountry. on a footing with themott 
lavored veteran-^ of i>ihi'r wars in whicli the nation has been embroiled. 

Wlien this object was first announced, April 15, lS7ii, in a ciroilar emanatmg from the 
( >r;:anizinff Committee in this city. a]>pealin^' to the fraternal feelings of tHie comparatiAely few 
r<'tnaiuing veterans to lay aside tlieir political diHVrences and unite in this laudable object; 
another solemn juirpose was avowed in connection with it, namely, '"To rescue from oblivion 
"I he names and fame of our fallen comrades, whose lives were sacrificed durinj? the Mexican 
■• \v:ir,'' the ;;lohous results of which we had been spared to see realized to some extent. 

Wliile all who have thus far joined in the movement have cheerfully devoted their services 
or contributions to the lijsi -named object, as an act of justice and humanity to old comrades-in- 
.•irins who sadly netd a ludiiiufi hand, the question arises "' VVould it not in a measure detract 
from the merit- ol the case if we neglect to pay the mournfuT debt we owe to those who fell by 
our side;, in performance of duty on the field of battle?" Every generous spirit will respond 
atfirniatively totiich inquiry. 

True. >ome de;r,ve of satisfaction will be derived from, reading the correspondence herein 
wiih the War D.-jiartmeiit. in reiiard to the erection of amonumentat the Cajiital of the nation, 
ill commemoration of our long neglected brothers whose mortal remains have occupied un- 
marked graves in a loreign soil for more than a quarter of a cenlurv. The interest manifested 
by liie (iovernment in this resjiect indicates that oitr agitation of the subject has not been bar- 
ren ofbeiietlcial ri'sulis. and encourages a hope of better things in the future. 

Hut [)erhaps tin' most lining tribute the Association can offer to their comrades passed away 
and their deseendant>, woidd be toaiil in the publication of a compkejiknsivi: NAiutATiVE OF 
All, iiiE I ACTS eoniu ite<l with a period which marks a most glorious epoch in the tirst century 
of t)ur country's history, which will awaken inquiiy and impress the importance of those events 
on the rising and future generations of American citizens. Every man 'who served therein has 
an individual interest in jn-eserving and perpetuating the glorious traditions and historical 
facts of the Mexican war, and however humble the capacity in which he may have served, if 
Ills duties were faithfully discharged, he can leave a name to his children entitled to be honored 
by Ihs countrymen while the nation exists. 

In fultilmeni of lii.-- design heretofore announced as stated, the First Secretary deems it a 
duly iiicuinbent ui)on the position assi;:ned liim by the distinguished delegates to o\ir two la>t 
NationaK'onvention>. to publish under lii^ immt-diate supervision and control, a HISTORY 
OF THI^ MEXICAN WAR, comprising in regular onier, an hnpartiul review of its causes, (de- 
rived frtim olhcial sources exclusively ;) a comjirehensive narralive of the set^erol cavipaigns 
and cjpeditions, milUary [xnd }uu'al,\viih their lUts of killed and wounded; a lreutii<e on the 
results of the war, as regards its effects upon the military renown and material i)rospirity of 
I lie country (some idea of this last thesis is set forth in the Minority Report of the Committee 
ot l»ensioiis, on pages 1.5 and \6 of this pamphlet.) An Afi'kndix will contain an authentic list 
of the officers engaged in the war, Regular and Volunteer, to be verilied by tlie War Depart- 
ment, with such .-pecial marks of distinction as were conferred upon them for gallant and meri- 
torious conduct in liie Mexican war. It is also designed to publish a list of the survivors, (so 
far as they can be obtained by the First Secretary) with the corps to which thej' were attached. 

Such a work as is In-re contemplated has never been jirepared, and probably never would 
have been without the preliminary agitation out of whicli our Association was formed and the 
rcsulence of so many survivoi's ascertained, which now rentiers the proposition feasible, if a 
generous co-o|ieration of comrades can be enlisted in the imdertaking. But the compilation of 
ihe work, and its distribution among the multitude of libraries throughout the land, involves 
much labor and gnat pecuniary expense — more, perhaps, than any of the great publishing 
houses oi the cvmntry would like to invest in the enterprise. 

.\ iilan to cover the expense, however, suggests itself, by which the Secretary will be ena- 
bled to accomi>li-li the work devolving upon him in the interest of our common cause, and he 
re.-<pect fully solicits the business of prosecuting the claims of the survivors before the Depart- 
ment of the Interior when our bill becomes a law by act of C^ongress. The fee m similar cases is 
li\ed by l.iw at ten dollars in the absence of a contract, and if the survivors extend their pat- 
ron;ige to the undersigned, the lowest fee will enaVile him to carry out this project, leaving a sur- 
Vlns to i>eri)etuate the organization for further benelits in the future. He hopes, at least, that 
-ival api)licants fur this patronage of the members will hold out as favorable inducements. He 
nsjtecifiilly suf^gests. also, that each survivor desiring the success of the entiuiprise will solicit 
tubscribers to the book among his friends aiul neighbors outside of the organization and forward 
I heir nanu's and address to the Secretary ; an edition to supply the surviving veterans only 
would hardly warrant the undertaking. As an apology for his boldness in asking these favors, 
the umlersigned begs leave to remind his comrades that his service.s in the cause from its in- 
lipiency have been fiitherto given u'i^/iow^ compensa^io/i other than that which an earnest en- 
-ih"usia>t derives from doing what he conceives to be a good work in behalf of the brave com- 
)»anions of his youth. 

Very respectfully, your obedient ser\'ant. 

ALEXANDER M. KEN AD AY. 
J^irst Secretary JV. A. V. M. W., Lock Box 37, Washington, D. C, 



iL^g \~Jeiii of€€^ tt^idtttel ei'incC te€€ 



€€ttt 



County. State. 



iSy 



To A. M. Kenaday, Firi>t Secretary, dc, 
Lock Box 37, Washington, D. G, 
Sir: You are authorized to enroll my name in the National Begister^ 
and as an applicant for a pension under the law asked for by the National 
(Jon vention of Veterans of the Mexican War, held in Washington, D. C, 
Jaimary^ I oT4. 



My fall tmme is 

J'osf Office Address 

Age Horn at 

Starred In (Jo. (Japt. 

Heginieid of Commanded by 



IJnlistrd at month of 184 

/Pifr/iargtd at month of 184 

Jifi eiced la /(d warrant for acres. 

Enclosed find donation for copy of Proceedings of National 

iJoncentivn^ postage^ dec. 



Signature. 



8i^('oinratlf> :uv roque^ited to notify me of any change of residence to insure 
conv<>t Tran«inii>;«ion of Information in regard to the medalion badge, when 
ready, and otiier correspondence. [A. M. K.] 



OF A 

Histif J if til© Mexkai Wai 

^ .,ag». ♦ .-, — . — 

IT 19 WELIi UNDEKSTnOP, THAT THE PEIMAPY OBJECT HAD IN VIEW IN OR- 
gani:zins the " National AssociM.tion of A' tcran.* of the M(>x)c:ui W.ir," was -o obtain from 
Congress a recopnition of the fact, that thv nmu wiio respoiirlod to th« cill ;.f tl ■- (liicf Magis- 
trate in 1S46, and risked life and health in ihe j^i'^'li*' ^f'l'vice, v^-ere entiilrf- !:> Ik- iionorto'be 
placed in their declining- years on the pension rolls of the country, on a foolii;^ Miih the most 
favored veterans of other vvars in which tlv nation has been embroiled. 

When this object was first announcfd, April 16, 1872, in a circular enmratinpr from the 
OiTfitiizing Committee in this city, appealing to the fraternal feelings of the comparatively few 
remaining veterans to lay aside their political differences and unite in this laudable object; 
another solemn purpose was avowed in connection with it, namely, " To rescue from oblivion 
"the names and fame of our fallen comi'ades, whose lives were sacrificed during the Mexican 
" war," tile glorious result? of which we had been spared to see realized to some extent. 

While ail who have thus far joined in the movement have cheerfully devoted their services 
or contributions to the first-named object, as an act of justice and humanity to old comrades-in- 
arms who sadly need a helping hand, the question arises " Would It not in a measure detract 
from the merits of the case if we neglect to paj' tire mournful debt we owe to those who fell by 
our sides in performance of duty on the field of battle ?" Every generoirs spirit will respond 
athrniatively to such inquiry. 

True, some degree of satisfaction will be derived fi'om reading the coiTespondence herein 
with the War I^epartment, in regard to the erection of a monument at the Capital of the nation, 
in commemoration of our long neglected brothers whose mortal remains have occupied un- 
marked graves in a foreign soil for more than a quarter of a century. The interest manifested 
by the Government in this respect indicates that our agitation of the subject has not been bar- 
Ten of beneficial results, and encourages a hope of better things in the future. 

But perhaps tliemost fitting tribute the Association can olFer to their comrades passed away 
and tlieir descendants, would be to aid in the publication of a coMiM?EnKN.sivJ3 nakhative oi'^ 
ALL TiiJi FACTS Connected with a period which marks a most glorious epoch in the first century 
of our country's history, which will awaken inquiry and impress the importance of those events 
on the rising and future generations of American citizens. Every man who served therein has 
an individual interest in preserving and perpetuating the glorious traditions and historical 
facts of the Mexican war, and however humble the capacity in which he may have served, if 
his duties were faithfidly discharged, he can leave a name to his children entitled to be honored 
by his countrymen while the nation exists. 

In fulfilment of his design heretofore announced as stated, the First Secretarj' deems it a 
duty incumbent upon the position assigned him by tlie distinguished delegates to our two last 
National Conventions, to publish under his immediate supervision and control, a HISTORY 
OF THE MEXICAN WAR, comprising in regular order, an impartial review of its causes, (de- 
rived from olficial sources exclusively ;) a comprehensive narrative of the several campaigns 
and expeditions.^ military and naval, witli their lists of killed and wounded ; a treatise on the 
resxdts of the war, as regards its elFects upon the military renown and material prosperity of 
the country (some idea of this last thesis is set forth in the Minority Report of the Committee 
of Pensions, on pages 15 and 16 of this pamphlet.) An Apj'ENDix will contain an authentic list 
of the officers engaged in the war, Regular and Volunteer, to be verified by the War Depart- 
ment, with such special naarks of distinction as were conferred upon them for gallant and meri- 
torious conduct in the Mexican war. It is also designed to publish a list of the survivors, (so 
far as tliey can be obtained by the First Secretary) with the corps to which they were attach(:'d. 

Such a work as is here contemplated has never been prepared, and probably never would 
have been without the preliminary agitation out of which our Association was formed and the 
residence of so many survivors ascertained, which now renders the proposition feasible, if a 
generous co-operation of comrades can be enlisted in the undertaking. But the compilation of 
the work, and its distribution among the multitude of libraries throughout the land, involves 
much labor and great pecuniary expense — more, perhaps, than any of the great pitblishing 
houses of the country would like to invest in the enterprise. 

Apian to cover the expense, however, suggests itself, by which the Secretary will be ena- 
bled to accomplish the work devolving upon him in the interest of our common cause, and he 
respectfully solicits the business of prosecuting the claims of the survivors before the Depart' 
ment of the Interior when our bill becomes a law by act of Congress. The fee in similar cases is 
fixed by law at ten dollars in the absence of a contract, and if the survivors extend their pat- 
ronage to the undersigned, the lowest fee will enable him to carry out this project, leaving a sur- 
plus to perpetuate the organization for further benefits in the future. He hopes, at least, that 
rival applicants for this patronage of the members will hold out as favorable inducements. He 
respectfully suggests, also, that each survivor desiring the success of the enterprise will solicit 
sxibscrihers to the book among his friends and neighbors outside of the organization and forward 
their names and address to the Secretary ; an edition to supply the surviving veterans only 
would hardly warrant the undertaking. As an apology for his boldness in asking these favors, 
the undersigned begs leave to remind his comrades that his services in the cause from its in- 
cipiency have been hitherto given with) at compensation other than that which an earnest en- 
thusiast derives from doing what he couceive.s to be a good work in behalf of the brave com- 
])anions of his youth. 

Very respectfully, your obe-dient servant. O 

ALEXANDER M. KENADAY 
Fcrst Secretary N. A. V. M. TF., Lock Box 37, Washington, D. C, 



THICltW OK- CLAIM IIXJNTEHS. 

It has hppn r^^ported to Headquarters that claim afrents in some parts of the country have 
advertised the Mexican war pension bill as. havinjr already passed, and are having applica- 
tions sworn toby claimants iti antic-i|)ation of the bill becoming a law. Of course every intel- 
liRent man will know thataclaim prepared before the law is passed, and sustained by the 
ante-dated oath of the claimant, will comt' under ihe stiiMit.- ay^ainst "fraudulent claims," 
which works a forfeiture of the claim. 

Members ."should be careful to select an attorney in whom they can repose confidence for 
ability and integrity, because of the following rule of the Pension Office, viz.: 

"The .substitution by a claimant of an attorney for one already empowered and recog- 
nized by this office will not be permitted, tmiess with the consent of the attorney of record, 
or tinless a good and sulficient reason be given for such substitution." 

It has frequently occurred that members of the Association have requested the Secretary 
to aid atloriieys" who have Hied their claims for invalid pensions and bounty lands, which 
he was compelled to decline on account of this rule of the office, which <mly recognizes the 
Httornej- tiling the claim as having any right to be heard. 

When our bill becomes a law, every member will be advised from this office how to proceed 
to obtain his pension, and he can then elect who shall prosecute his claim. The fee is 
regulated by law, fixed at *IU, and is paid to the attorney by the Pension Bureau, and 
deducted from the first quarterly payment of the pension. 



TUK FiNAN( K CoMMirrKK, consisting of Mi\]. Gen. S. P. Heinlzelman, Capt. S. V. Niles 
and M. D. Montis, Esq., issued a circular on the 2oth of .Tune, calling upon the Slate 
officers to subscribe for copies of the Proceedings, in accord-<nce with the plan of asses;?- 
ment adopted by the Association on i)age Si. The whole amount of casn received, however. 
up to date of going to press only amounts to S4(). The Secriiary has faith, however, that 
considerate members will sustain him, as heretofore, in hi.s eff'orts to, fulfill hi$ duties to 
the Association. A very unall donation from each recipient of the book will defray the 
expenses of printing and postage, and there being no "initiation fee '" or " yearly dues." 
this appears to be the only method of sustaining the organization. 



How to Cleanse Your Medal and Preserve its Brilliancy. 

If your medal becomes badly discolored, wash first with alcohol; then mix a solution ot one- 
fourth water to three-lourths sulphuric acid (commonly called oil of vitriol;) wash this solu- 
tion off with cold water. To jireserve the bnlhancy of the ined il and prevent rust, make 
solution of four-fifths of rectified spirits of turiH-niine and oue-(itth of oil van.ish— rub the 
mixture over the metnl with .i spon'r*'. 



Badge Kibbon.— The Coininiti.ee have on hand a surplu- quintity of TRt-coLOn ntBROv 
which they would like to utilize. Members so situated that tliey cannot renew their badge- 
ribbons at the stores where they resid<% can have a new piece of the proper length forwarded 
by mail if they enclose three postage stamps (or l(t cent stamp) to the Secretary, Lock Box ir. 
Washington. I). C. The large amoiintof correspondenr" required of the Secretary ne cessitatas 
this method of covpring the expense involved. 



MKr>.\Ls P^i-K< TKo-n V I Kii IN (f'>i 1' -Manv tn-mber- have wriitpn to tliR Secretarv inquir- 
ing the cost of eieciro-plafing their med ils in t:.>ld. f.ie work can he done here in the best 
•-lyle of the art, an<i returned lo the owners witli new ribbon, at tirn tioll^rs e 'Ch The medal 
ran be sent by mail, if wrapped securely in paper, and tied with a striner. (but not sealed or 
pasted.) at a cost of three cent.«i. Address to Secretary. Lock Box 37. 



fn 



NATIONAL ASSOCIATION 



Gold and Silver Medals 




Uescrlptton of Oadgfe. 

A modifled American Shield. The outer 
rim raised from the general surface, and hav- 
ing thereon the names of battles of the Mexi- 
can War, in the order and selection as given 
in the design. The letters to.be block. 

1 . Left upper corner, a man-of-vf ar, as given 
in the design : Navy. 

2. Apex of centre, a bursting bomb : Ord- 
nance. 

3. Centre group of arms: Rifle— volunteer 
element; musket, sabre and pistol — infantry 
and cavalry. 

4. Right upper corner, u field piece : Artil- 
lery. 

6. Directly under group of arras the word 
*' Mexico" in block. 

6. Thereunder a Maguey plant surrounded 
by cactus, emblematic of Mexico. 

7. Thereunder a Castle : Engineers. 

8. Thereunder the figures "1S46:" Date of 
war. ** 

9. 5, 6, 7 and 8 are surrounded by laurel 
wreath as in design, banded below with three 
folds, bearing on the same the names as given 
in design 

10. Surrounding the wreath, arranged, as 
given in design, twenty- nine five-pointed 
stars : Number of States at date of war. 




In Miniature Size. 

A huge jiumbHr of members have ex- 
pressed a desire lo have a copy rf the 
Regulation Medal in miniature size, in 
GOLD or SILVER, which can ^e worn 
on all occasions, either as a WATCH 
CHARM or TEST PIN— thus aflording 
the wearer a means of recognition by 
comrades when they meet each other in 
the daily walks of life, as is customary 
in kindred societies. At our last annual 
meeting a resolution was unanimously 
ndopted, (not requested by the Badge 
Committee, however,) authorizing the 
medal to be M'orn by members of the Na- 
tional Assocation in any size ov wetal,con- 
formable in all other respects to the design 
adopted as the insignia of membership, 
(which design has been patented under the 
laws of the United States, and any in- 
fringement will be prosecuted.) Accord- 
ingly, tliH Secretary has made arrange- 
ments to furnish medals in gold or six.ver 
after the above pattern, which will be sent 
to comrades on the usual application con- 
taining a statement of his services in 
Mexico (name of Captain, Colonel and 
Regt., etc.: when and where enlisted and 
discharged, etc.,) at the following rates 
which include cost of engraving, postage 
on registered letters, clerical services, &c. 
&c., to wit : 

GS-OLI3 IMEDAL with 
an adjustable pin, and a ring 
for watch charm $7.UU 

SILVER ]ME1>AL ' 3.60 

CLUB KATES : 

S8f"Ten or more gold medals sent in 
one package to one address at $6,30 each 
Ten SILVER do. at $3 each. 

All applications must be accompanied 
by a postal-money order. Where cur- 
rency is sent it should be in a registered 
letter, addressed to — 

ALEX. M. KENADAY, Sec. &c.. 
Lock Box 37, Washington, D. C 



LB D '05 



BWQH OM THE CLAIM A^EMTS. 

Heretofore attorneys have had a pretty sure thing in collecting their fees from 
pensioners when their claims were allowed, the Pension Agent being directed by- 
law to deduct the attorney's fee from the first payment. The Commissioner of Pen- 
sions, however, persuaded Congress at the late session to repeal that provision of 
law, and hereafter attorneys have no security for their fees but the good faith of 
the claimant. 

While it is thought, the law will work hardsWp to the poor soldiers in most cases, 
it will probably have the etiect to weed out of the profession a gang of unprincipled 
sharpers, who resort to lying and disreputable means to obtain the names of claim- 
ants with a view to "reaping where they have not sown." One of the heaviest 
tasks in the way of correspondence imposed'upon the Secretary is in replying to 
false reports sent to comrades like the following: 

ANDy C TMAx, Lewistown, JUinois. 

Dear -Sir— A bill has just passed (June 2.')) giving: all Mexican soldiers eiglit dollars per montti 
let me me git it for you pive rep't & co. when & where inlisted how long serve captain name no 
charge unless I sucsede giv captains name. Reply. T. S. Lougiiry. 

This style of correspondence has been referred to the Secretary time and again 
for a reply to the false reports. As some enterprising agents have purchased sur- 
reptitiously lists of names collected by the secretary, comrades are cautioned to 
receive all reports from outsiders with some allowance. It will be several weeks after 
the passage of the bill before any action can be taken on claims filed, and members 
will be promptly advised from headquarters how to proceed to obtain their rights. 



ALEXANDER M. KENADAY, 
525 Sixth Street, N. W., Washington, D. C, 

Respectfully announces that he has commenced the business of 

ATTORXEY FOR THE PROSECUTION OF CLAIMS IN ALL THE DEPART 

MENTS OF THE GOVERNMENT AND BEFORE THE 

COMMITTEES OF CONGRESS. 



Having had six years' experience in one of the Departments of the Government as 
nn E\.\MiNER OF CL.\iMs, (from which he resigned in 1874 on account of increased 
duties growing out of his position as Secretary of the Mexican War Veterans,) he is 
enabled to bring to bear in his present vocation a knowledge and familiarity with 
the details of tha business of a CLAIM AGENT that will render him useful 
to those who may do him the honor to entrust their business to his manage- 
ment. Through his official connection with the members of the National Associa- 
tion from the very iucipiency of the organization of Mexican War Veterans he has 
piepared complete lists of comrades and their residences, arranged by Slates, regi- 
ments, vfcc, which will enable him to be of valuable assistance in the presentation of 

fcOLDIEKS' AND SAILOKS' CLALM3 FOR BOUNTY, PENSIONS, EXTRA PAY, QUARTER- 
MASTERS' STORES, and all classes of accounts against the Government. He respect- 
fully solicits a share of patronage from his comrades and their friends, which will 
be faithfully attended to. 

Address, A. M. KENADAY, P. 0. Lock Box 37, Washington, B. C. 



NATIONAL ASSOCIATION 




G-old and Silver Medals 



Description of Dadgfe. 

A modified American Sliield. The outer 
rim raised from the general surface, and hav- 
ing thereon the names of battles of the Mexi- 
can War, in the order and selection as given 
in the design. The letters to be block. 

1. Left upper corner, a man-of-war, as given 
in the design : Navy. 

2. Apex of centre, a bursting bomb : Ord- 
nance. 

3. Centre group of arms: Rifle— volunteer 
olement; musket, sabre and pistol— infantry 
ind cavalry. 

4. Right upper corner, a field piece : Artil- 
lery. 

5. Directly under group of arms the word 
" Mexico" in block. 

6. Thereunder a Maguey plant surrounded 
by cactus, emblematic of M exico. 

7. Thereunder a Castle : Engineers. 

8. Thereunder the figures " 1846 :" Date of 
war. 

9. 5, 6, 7 and 8 are surrounded by laurel 
wreath as in design, banded belowwith three 
folds, bearing on the same the names as given 
in design, 

10. Surrounding the wreath, arranged, as 
i,iven in design, twenty- nine five-pointed 
-tars : Number of States at date of war. 



Tlie charge for engraving, mounting, 
clerical labor, postage, etc., of the above is 
TWO DOLLARS, (postal moucy order or reg- 
istered letter,) to be accompanied by a full 
statement of st^rvice in Mexico, addressed to 
A. M. Kknaday, Sec'y., &c., Lock Box 37, 
VVashington, D. C. 




In Miniature Size. 

A number of members have ex- 
pressed a desire to have a copy of the 
Regulation Medal in miniature size, in 
GOLD or SILVER, to be worn on 
ail occasions, either a«5 a WATCH 
CI-IARM or VEST PIN— thus afford- 
ing the wearer a means of recognition 
by comrades when they meet each 
otlier in the daily walks of life, as is 
customary in kindred societies. At 
our annual meeting of February 22, 
1877, a resolution was unanimously 
adopted authorizing the medal to be 
worn by members of the National 
xlssociation in any size or metal, con- 
formable in all other respects to the 
design adopted as the insignia of mem- 
bership, (which design has been pat- 
ented under the laws of the United 
States, and any infringement will be 
prosecuted.) xlccordingly, the Secre- 
tary has made arrangements to furnish 
medals in gold or silver after the 
above pattern, which will be sent to 
comrades on the usual application conr 
taining a statement of his services in 
Mexico, (name of Captain, Colonel and 
Rfgt.. etc.; when and where enlisted 
and discharged, etc.,) at the following 
rates which include cost of engraving, 
postage on registered letters, clerical 
services, &c., &c., to wit: 
©0L® MED^L with an adjust- 
able pin, and a ring for watch 
charm $7.00 

SILYIE MID^L. ...".... 3.50 
lEOTll Ml® JIL lil®(Dl- $2.00 

CLUB EATES: 

C^° Ten or more gold medals sent 
in one package to one address at $6.30 
each. Ten silver do. at $3 each. 

All applications must be accom- 
panied by a postal-money order Where 
currency is sent it .'hould be in a regis- 
tered letter, addressed to — 

ALEX. M. KENADAY, Sec, &c., 
Lock Box 37, Washington, D. C. 



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